Xavi Hernández Appointed Netherlands Head Coach Until 2030 World Cup

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team, signing a four-year contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The 46-year-old Spaniard replaces Ronald Koeman, who stepped down following the Netherlands' last-32 defeat by Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. Xavi, who guided Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2023 after beginning his managerial career with Qatari club Al Sadd, has been out of management since leaving Barcelona in 2024. This appointment marks his first foray into international management and makes him the first non-Dutch coach of the Netherlands since 1978.