Xavi Hernández has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands national football team, ending months of speculation over who would replace Ronald Koeman. The former Barcelona manager becomes the first non-Dutch coach to lead Oranje since Austrian Ernst Happel left the post in 1978.
The Dutch football federation confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with the federation's official statement marking the formal start of the 46-year-old's tenure.
Accounts of the contract's length differ. It has been reported elsewhere as a four-year deal, while the federation's own announcement and USA Today both state the agreement runs through the 2030 World Cup.
Why did the Netherlands need a new coach?
Koeman stepped down as Netherlands manager after his side's last-32 exit to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. That departure followed a difficult tournament for the squad; according to our earlier coverage, Koeman's resignation came amid reports of racist abuse directed at players who had missed penalties, with the Dutch federation vowing legal action against those responsible.
How is Xavi connected to Dutch football?
Xavi described the appointment as deeply personal, citing the influence of several figures central to Dutch football history.
"I consider it a tremendous honour to become head coach of the Dutch national team," Xavi said.
"As someone who received his training at Barca's academy, 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 Barca, and Frank Rijkaard, also played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach."
Who else was considered for the role?
Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot confirmed he had discussed the position but withdrew, explaining that he preferred his next job to be in club football rather than international management.
What is Xavi's playing and managerial background?
Xavi won 25 honours during his playing career at Barcelona and lifted three international trophies with Spain, including being part of the squad that defeated the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final. He retired as a player in 2019 and began coaching at Al-Sadd before returning to Barcelona in November 2021, where he won a La Liga title in his first full season in charge. He left the Catalan club in 2024, making the Netherlands job his first managerial post since then. Notably, ESPN points out this marks the second time Xavi has directly succeeded Koeman, having also replaced him at Barcelona in 2021.
What happens next?
Xavi is scheduled to be formally presented as Netherlands coach at a press event on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at the KNVB Campus in Zeist, according to the federation's announcement.
Key Facts
- Xavi Hernández appointed Netherlands head coach on 12 August 2026
- First non-Dutch coach since Ernst Happel in 1978
- Contract reported as four years by some outlets, but described as running through the 2030 World Cup by the federation and USA Today
- Succeeds Ronald Koeman for a second time, having also replaced him at Barcelona in 2021
- Formal presentation set for 25 August 2026 in Zeist
