Sport
Xavi named Netherlands head coach on four-year contract
Former FC Barcelona coach Xavi has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands on 12 August 2026, signing a four-year deal. At 46, he becomes the first non-Dutch manager of the national team since Ernst Happel left in 1978. He succeeds Ronald Koeman, who resigned after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup. The role marks Xavi’s first coaching job since leaving Barcelona in 2024.