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Netherlands appoint Xavi Hernández as head coach

8/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Netherlands appointed Xavi Hernández as head coach on 12 August 2026, replacing Ronald Koeman after the round-of-32 loss to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
He signed a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup, becoming the Netherlands’ first foreign manager since Austrian Ernst Happel in 1978.
His first match will be a UEFA Nations League clash with Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena on 24 September 2026.

History

Historical Context

Ernst Happel led the Netherlands in 1978, guiding them to a World Cup final and having previously won the European Cup twice (1970, 1983). After Ronald Koeman quit following the 2026 Morocco loss, the KNVB again turned abroad, continuing a pattern of seeking international expertise ahead of the September Nations League clash with Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

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Story summary

The Netherlands appointed Xavi Hernández as head coach on 12 August 2026, replacing Ronald Koeman after the round-of-32 loss to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
He signed a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup, becoming the Netherlands’ first foreign manager since Austrian Ernst Happel in 1978.
His first match will be a UEFA Nations League clash with Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena on 24 September 2026.

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