Spanish coach Xavi Hernández will begin his tenure as Netherlands head coach when his team faces Germany on Thursday in the opening round of the UEFA Nations League.
The match will take place at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam at 9:45pm Cairo time, marking Xavi’s first official game in charge of the Dutch national team.
The match comes at the start of a new era for the Netherlands after Xavi succeeded Ronald Koeman on a contract running through the 2030 World Cup.
Alejandro Hernández to Referee Xavi’s First Netherlands Match
The fixture has an additional connection to Xavi because Spanish referee Alejandro Hernández has been appointed to officiate the Netherlands-Germany clash.
Hernández will be assisted by fellow Spaniards José Naranjo and Diego Rojo, while Carlos Del Cerro Grande will serve as the video assistant referee.
The appointment brings back memories of Xavi’s years as Barcelona head coach, when he crossed paths with Hernández during several matches involving the Catalan club.
Xavi’s Previous History With Alejandro Hernández
Xavi has a history with the Spanish referee from his time in charge of Barcelona, with some of Hernández’s matches involving the club featuring complaints from the former midfielder about refereeing decisions.
On one occasion, Xavi stressed ahead of a Barcelona match that his team could only ask for the referee to be fair to both sides, highlighting the importance of balanced officiating.
Hernández also refereed Barcelona’s match against Athletic Bilbao in March 2024, a game in which Xavi received a yellow card along with several Barcelona players.
In August 2023, Hernández officiated Barcelona’s match against Getafe, during which Xavi strongly objected to a handball decision against his team and criticized the use of video technology.
Alejandro Hernández’s International Experience
Hernández’s experience extends beyond club football, with the Spanish referee having officiated international matches and previously handled two Netherlands fixtures.
The official match information confirms that Hernández will referee the Netherlands-Germany encounter in the opening round of the Nations League.
The appointment therefore adds another storyline to Xavi’s international debut, as he faces Germany under the control of a referee he knows from his years in Spanish football.
Xavi Starts a New Era With the Netherlands
Xavi has taken charge of the Netherlands as part of a new project that runs through the 2030 World Cup after replacing Ronald Koeman.
The Spanish coach announced his first Netherlands squad with Virgil van Dijk retained as captain, while Memphis Depay was left out and several players returned to the squad alongside new faces.
Ahead of his debut, Xavi emphasized intensity, initiative and building a new identity for the Dutch national team.
His first match against Germany will also coincide with Jürgen Klopp’s debut as Germany head coach, giving the fixture an added dimension with new managers taking charge of both national teams.
Netherlands vs Germany Match Details
The Netherlands will face Germany on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam in the opening round of the UEFA Nations League.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:45pm Cairo time and will mark Xavi’s first official match as Netherlands head coach.
When will Xavi make his Netherlands debut?
Xavi will make his debut against Germany on September 24, 2026, in the Nations League.
Who is the referee for Netherlands vs Germany?
Spanish referee Alejandro Hernández will officiate the match, assisted by José Naranjo and Diego Rojo.
Where will Netherlands vs Germany be played?
The match will be played at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
How long is Xavi’s Netherlands contract?
Xavi’s contract with the Netherlands runs through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Who did Xavi replace as Netherlands head coach?
Xavi succeeded Ronald Koeman as Netherlands head coach.
