Could Guardiola and Xavi become international rivals? World Cup timing fuels speculation

Despite very different trajectories in recent years and distinct circumstances shaping their paths, Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernández enter the summer without a club. Two icons forged at Barcelona, both as players and as defining figures in the club’s modern era, now find themselves part of a coaching market about to be heavily influenced by the World Cup.

International football is expected to shift dramatically depending on what happens at the tournament, and both names are already being floated in connection with national teams. England and Italy have been loosely linked with Guardiola, while Xavi has been mentioned in relation to Morocco.

In recent days, Italian outlet Corriere della Sera reported that AC Milan could also be interested in Xavi, although his preferred route would still be taking charge of a national team. Something is stirring in the background.

World Cup timing reshapes the coaching market

Knowing the personalities involved, it is difficult to imagine either Guardiola or Xavi spending the World Cup on a beach, watching from a distance with a drink in hand and no involvement in the sport’s biggest stage.

More likely, both would be closely analyzing tactical trends and emerging players, from Sebastián Beccacece’s defensive structure with Ecuador, to the impact of Erik Lira in Javier Aguirre’s Mexico setup, or how Johan Manzambi could fit as a playmaker in Switzerland.

Guardiola has already said he intends to take a break, much like Xavi said when he left Barcelona and was approached by several clubs. But for both men, “rest” has often meant preparation for the next major challenge. Increasingly, that challenge points toward international football.

National team football as the comfortable next step

In many ways, the logic is clear. A national team job offers a different rhythm compared to club management, with less weekly media pressure, fewer matches, reduced travel demands, and more controlled periods of work.

Even a relentless club coach like Carlo Ancelotti eventually accepted the international route with Brazil. At this stage of their careers, lifestyle considerations carry more weight than ever.

For someone like Guardiola or Xavi, the appeal is obvious: living in Barcelona and only traveling for international windows is an attractive balance. The direction of travel seems clear, toward a future where one could end up leading one national team and the other another.

It would be a compelling rivalry if it ever materializes. If it does, circle the 2030 World Cup.

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