Netherlands appoint Xavi as national team coach through 2030 World Cup

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — The Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) named Spanish manager Xavi Hernandez as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team on Tuesday, tasking him with leading the side to the 2030 World Cup. The 46-year-old succeeds Ronald Koeman, who was dismissed after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch exited in the round of 16, drawing 1-1 with Morocco before losing the penalty shootout 3-2. Xavi's most recent coaching role was at Barcelona, where he was in charge from 2021 to 2024. A central figure in Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad as a player, he now takes on a rebuilding job with the Netherlands ahead of the next global tournament.