Xavi Hernandez was officially appointed head coach of the Netherlands national football team on August 25, 2026, signing a four-year deal that runs through the next World Cup cycle [1, 2, 3, 4]. He becomes the first foreigner to coach the Dutch side in 48 years, since Ernst Happel led the team at the 1978 World Cup [1, 2, 4].
The 46-year-old replaces Ronald Koeman, who left after the Netherlands were eliminated in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup by Morocco in a penalty shootout [1, 2, 3, 4]. Xavi, who was previously coach of Barcelona until May 2024 and also managed Qatari club Al-Sadd, takes charge with a promise to deliver an attractive, attacking style that emphasizes domination, passion, desire, and ambition [1, 2, 3, 4]. He said, "We have many talented players, but the most important thing for me is to create a team, a group and football-wise we want to create a very brave team to dominate the game, to take the initiative with the ball" [1].
Xavi also stressed the balance between style and results, adding, "If we play good football... taking the initiative, dominating the game, playing in an offensive way... we will be closer to winning and to getting results" [4]. He reassured that winning is key, stating, "We are here to compete, we are here to enjoy and we are here to win. I insist we are here to win" [1]. On being the third choice for the job after Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot declined, Xavi said, "Well, it’s not a bad position after Guardiola and after Slot. Third position. At least we are ... on the podium. I don't care" [3].
Xavi’s first match as Netherlands coach will be a Nations League game against Germany in Amsterdam on September 24, 2026 [1, 2, 4]. He acknowledged the pressure of the role but embraced it, saying, "I understand where I am and I feel this pressure, but I love this kind of pressure and I'm a winner" [1].
