Xavi 'set' for stunning return to football to lead country at 2026 World Cup

Former Barcelona midfielder and head coach Xavi Hernandez has been linked with a surprise return to management ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Xavi, who formed a formidable partnership with fellow Spaniard Iniesta at Barcelona during his playing career before going on to coach the Catalan side, has been out of work since leaving the club in 2024.

Having first taken charge of the side in 2021, he guided Barca to the 2022–23 La Liga title and also handed 15-year-old Lamine Yamal his first-team debut, while also nurturing young talent such as Pedri and Gavi.

Despite winning the league in just his second season in charge, after finishing second in the 2023/24 campaign, the 46-year-old was sacked and subsequently replaced by current Barca boss Hansi Flick.

Since then, Xavi has been without a managerial role, despite showing interest in one day managing in the Premier League.

Xavi is linked with a return to management (Credit:Getty)

When asked what leagues he enjoyed watching most during a 2025 interview with The Athletic, he replied: “La Liga the most, then the Premier League. Not so much the French league, but sometimes I’ll watch PSG or Marseille, especially Paris. Italy — I follow Como because I have a couple of friends there, Sergi Roberto and Cesc Fabregas. I have good friends in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, so I follow the leagues there. I watch a lot. I love football. I also follow Panama because my friend is there. And sometimes the Indian League, because many Spanish coaches are there.”

However, the 2010 World Cup winner may soon be taking charge of a national team rather than a club.

As reported by Spanish outlet Marca, Xavi is considered to be a ‘dream’ appointment for the Moroccan FA, with current boss Walid Regragui reportedly set to depart following their Africa Cup of Nations final defeat against Senegal in January.

The North African nation will feature at this summer’s World Cup, which will take place across the US, Mexico and Canada.

According to Marca, the Moroccan federation is convinced that Xavi is capable of taking on the role at short notice, with the side grouped with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti at next summer’s tournament.

On Tuesday (24 February), The Athletic also reported that, despite rumours, Regragui had not officially left the role, while also stating that Xavi was on the list of potential replacements. However, a deal has not been reached between the parties at this time.