Sports · 13 August 2026

Barcelona legend Xavi named Netherlands' first foreign coach since 1978

Mutari 15:45, 5 March 2008 (UTC) via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernández has assumed the role of manager for the Netherlands national team, after signing a four-year deal. He is the first non-Dutch manager for the Oranje in 48 years, since Austrian Ernst Happel in 1978. The 46-year-old will lead their Euro 2028 and 2030 World Cup campaigns, with his first match against Germany on September 24.

By BriefTea Editorial · 13 August 2026 at 7:02

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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Who is Xavi Hernández? What are Euro and World Cup campaigns? What is the Oranje?

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