Xavi Hernandez Officially Named Netherlands Head Coach

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez was officially announced as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team on Wednesday. 

Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman, who departed following the team's elimination in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. He becomes the first non-Dutch manager to lead the men's Oranje team since 1978. 

The 46-year-old Spaniard has been out of management since leaving Barcelona in May 2024. He recently interviewed with KNVB officials as the federation searches for a successor to Ronald Koeman.