Netherlands coach Xavi joins critics of new-look international window
Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez has criticized the new FIFA international calendar, which mandates four matches in 11 days. He argues that the intense schedule increases injury risks and disrupts the balance between club and national team commitments.
Why it matters
It reflects growing friction between national football associations and club teams regarding player welfare and the commercialization of the international calendar.
Soccer Football - Nations League - Group A2 - Serbia v Netherlands - Stadion Rajko Mitic, Belgrade, Serbia - September 27, 2026 Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez before the match REUTERS/Marko Djurica
Oct 3 - Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez has joined the criticism of the new-look expanded international calendar, saying four Nations League matches in 11 days are filled with peril.
Instead of two international games across nine days in each of September and October, FIFA has this year combined the two international windows into one with four match days, making for an intense programme.
“This schedule is not good. Not for the national teams and not for the clubs that release their players and sometimes see them return injured,” Xavi told a press conference- on Saturday.
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