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Xavi Hernández named Netherlands coach on four-year deal

8/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Netherlands appointed former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández as national team head coach.
He signed a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup.
Xavi succeeded Ronald Koeman after the Netherlands lost on penalties to Morocco in the 2026 World Cup.
He is the first foreign Dutch coach since Ernst Happel at the 1978 World Cup.
His first match is against Germany in Amsterdam on 24 September, with Jürgen Klopp coaching Germany.

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Story summary

Netherlands appointed former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández as national team head coach.
He signed a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup.
Xavi succeeded Ronald Koeman after the Netherlands lost on penalties to Morocco in the 2026 World Cup.
He is the first foreign Dutch coach since Ernst Happel at the 1978 World Cup.
His first match is against Germany in Amsterdam on 24 September, with Jürgen Klopp coaching Germany.