Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
The Netherlands have confirmed the appointment of Barcelona icon Xavi as their new head coach on a contract to run until the end of the 2030 World Cup.
The Oranje parted ways with Ronald Koeman for the second time in the aftermath of this summer’s tournament, which saw them impress in the group stage before suffering a round-of-32 exit.
They topped a tough group containing Japan, Sweden and Tunisia before losing to Morocco on penalties in the first knockout round, following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.
After Koeman’s exit, the Netherlands were linked with several big-name coaches, including Dutch bosses Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot.
Former Belgium and Portugal boss Roberto Martinez was also touted as a possible candidate, but another Spaniard has ultimately taken the role.
1 – Xavi will be the first foreign manager of @OnsOranje since Ernst Happel in 1977-1978, with the former midfielder making his debut for the Spanish national team in a friendly match against the Netherlands in 2000.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) August 12, 2026
Xavi had been out of management since leaving Barcelona in 2024, having won LaLiga in 2022-23 and the Supercopa de Espana in the same season.
He compiled 90 wins, 23 draws and 29 defeats in 142 games in charge of the Blaugrana across all competitions, giving him a win percentage of 62.7%.
Xavi will be the first foreign coach of the Netherlands since Ernst Happel in 1977-1978.
The former midfielder made his Spain debut in a friendly against the Oranje in 2000, while he also lifted the World Cup after overcoming them in the 2010 final in South Africa.
Xavi’s four-year contract means he will oversee the Netherlands’ Euro 2028 campaign, with that tournament being hosted in England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, before leading them into the next World Cup in 2030.
Portugal, Spain and Morocco are serving as co-hosts for that tournament, though UEFA countries are currently threatening to boycott FIFA competitions as Gianni Infantino faces pressure to resign from his role as president.
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