After the 2026 World Cup qualifiers began, Xavi took over the Netherlands national team, becoming the first foreign coach for the Dutch team in 48 years. In October and November, Xavi led the team through the first four matches of the international break, achieving a record of two wins and two draws, and temporarily leading the standings.

Xavi's record in the first four matches as coach

Matchday 1: Netherlands 1-1 Germany

Matchday 2: Netherlands 2-1 Serbia

Matchday 3: Netherlands 2-2 Greece

Matchday 4: Netherlands 2-1 Serbia

In Xavi's debut match, the Netherlands faced Germany, drawing 1-1 thanks to Cody Gakpo's late equalizer. Gakpo subsequently withdrew from the international break due to injury.

Away against Serbia, Meerdinck scored twice, and the Netherlands defeated their opponents 2-1, marking Xavi's first win as coach of the Dutch team.

In Matchday 3, away against Greece, the Netherlands found themselves two goals down at halftime. Virgil van Dijk pulled one back, and Reijnders equalized in the 89th minute.

In Matchday 4, at home against Serbia, Teun Koopmeiners opened the scoring for the Netherlands, and Joshua Zirkzee added another goal in the second half, leading to a 2-1 victory. Notably, before Zirkzee's goal, the Dutch team completed 29 consecutive uninterrupted passes.

In Xavi's first four matches coaching the Netherlands, the team achieved a record of two wins and two draws, scoring 7 goals but also conceding in every match. They currently sit atop Group A2, ahead of Greece on goal difference.

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