Xavi Hernández is now the head coach of the Netherlands national football team. The KNVB, Dutch football’s governing body, officially confirmed the appointment on August 12, 2026, handing the 46-year-old a long-term contract that runs through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Why the change happened

Ronald Koeman resigned from the position on June 30, 2026, after the Netherlands crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the round of 32.

Xavi’s managerial career at Barcelona spanned from 2021 to 2024. During that stint, he navigated one of the most turbulent periods in the Catalan club’s modern history, dealing with financial constraints and a squad in transition.

What Xavi brings to the table