Xavi is about to make a spectacular return, leading a national team at the World Cup

Following his quiet spell post-Barcelona departure, Xavi is believed to be poised for a managerial return, potentially guiding Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.

After leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2024, Xavi Hernandez took an extended break to rest and observe global football trends. However, the 46-year-old coach's hiatus might end sooner than expected. According to reliable sources from Marca and The Athletic, Xavi is currently the top candidate for the head coach position of Morocco's national team.

Morocco made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup under Walid Regragui’s leadership. However, after a heartbreaking loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on home soil last month, pressure on coach Regragui has intensified dramatically.

Although the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has not officially announced Regragui’s dismissal, senior officials are reportedly quietly searching for a replacement. At the 2026 World Cup, Morocco faces a challenging group alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. FRMF believes that a globally influential figure like Xavi could be the "key" to elevating the current squad.

Targeting Xavi is not only due to his reputation as a 2010 World Cup champion. During his tenure at Barcelona, he demonstrated his coaching abilities by winning the 2022-23 La Liga title and nurturing outstanding young talents such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi.

Xavi once expressed his endless passion for football in an interview:

“La Liga is the best, followed by the Premier League. I watch a lot. I love football. I follow leagues from Italy to Saudi Arabia and Qatar just to support my friends.”

Xavi’s attacking football philosophy and ability to develop young players are expected to replace Regragui’s criticized pragmatic style, helping the "Atlas Lions" create surprises in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Although considered a "dream" appointment, there are still obstacles to overcome. Sources close to the Spanish coach reveal that Xavi seems to prefer starting a new project after the 2026 World Cup rather than jumping in immediately for a short-term role.

Nevertheless, the appeal of the world’s biggest tournament and the chance to lead a talented generation of Moroccan players might persuade Xavi to change his mind. If the deal goes through, it will surely be one of the most remarkable and eagerly awaited comebacks in world football in 2026.