Xavi Hernandez named new Netherlands head coach
By Joel Masibo, August 13, 2026Xavi Hernandez has been appointed the new head coach of the Netherlands, replacing Ronald Koeman and becoming the country’s first foreign-born manager in nearly five decades.
The 46-year-old Spaniard has agreed to a contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, taking on his first international coaching position after successful spells with Al Sadd and Barcelona.
Xavi honoured
“I consider it a tremendous honour to become head coach of the Dutch national team,” said Xavi. “As someone who received his training at Barça, with strong influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football.
“You could say that I am partly a son of Dutch football. Other great coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barça, and Frank Rijkaard, also played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach.
Xavi believes the Netherlands’ football philosophy closely matches his own approach to the game, particularly its emphasis on possession and attacking play.
“The Netherlands has a rich football culture and a clear vision that also appeals to me enormously: attacking football, based on possession, with creativity, passion and conviction. Of course, the most important goal is and always will be to win, but I prefer to do so in a way that reflects those characteristics and that people can enjoy.
“The potential for this is there, as well as a solid foundation to build upon. I look forward to starting this challenge together with the players, the staff, and everyone within the Dutch federation.” He said.
Xavi arrives with an impressive playing and managerial pedigree. He was a key figure in Spain’s historic 2010 World Cup triumph, completing 93 per cent of his passes as La Roja defeated the Netherlands in the final in Johannesburg.
After retiring from playing, Xavi began his managerial career with Al Sadd in Qatar, where he guided the club to seven trophies during a two-and-a-half-year spell.
He subsequently returned to Barcelona as head coach and delivered the La Liga title in the 2022/23 season before leaving the position in late 2024.
The Netherlands entered the 2026 World Cup under Koeman and topped Group F, with Crysencio Summerville, Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey among the players making an impact.
World Cup disappointment
Their tournament, however, ended in the Round of 32 after Morocco eliminated them on penalties following a match in which the Dutch side came close to securing victory during normal time. Koeman later stepped down.
Xavi watched Spain defeat Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final from the stands at New York/New Jersey Stadium before taking up his new role with the Netherlands.
His appointment makes him the first overseas-born Netherlands coach since Austrian Ernst Happel, who left the position in 1978.
The new manager will now work with a talented squad featuring established stars such as Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, Denzel Dumfries, Jurrien Timber, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch.
The Oranje have appeared in three World Cup finals but have never managed to win football’s biggest international prize. Their greatest success came at UEFA EURO 1988, when they secured their only European Championship title.