Overview
- The Royal Dutch Football Association announced on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that Xavi Hernández has been appointed head coach on a contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup.
- Xavi succeeds Ronald Koeman after the Netherlands' early exit from the 2026 World Cup and will be tasked with rebuilding the team’s tactical identity.
- Nigel de Jong, the federation’s director of football, said Xavi shares the KNVB’s vision of proactive, possession-based football that takes the initiative in matches.
- The choice breaks a decades-long pattern because Xavi is the first foreign Netherlands manager since 1978, and several domestic and international candidates were considered before his selection.
- Players and public figures reacted positively on social media, and the appointment could reshape player selection and tactics as the team prepares for Euro 2028 and the 2030 tournament hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.