Spain hand Luis de la Fuente new contract until 2028
Spain’s Euro 2024-winning coach, Luis de la Fuente, has extended his contract until 2028, the Spanish Football Federation announced on Monday.
The 63-year-old has been in charge since 2022, leading Spain to victory in the Nations League in 2023 and securing a win against England in the Euro 2024 final.
His new contract covers both the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland.
“I’m very self-critical and not afraid to take risks if I believe in something,” De la Fuente said at a press conference. “I will continue with the same approach that has brought us here, aiming to improve and grow.”
Before coaching the senior team, De la Fuente managed Spain’s youth sides, winning the European under-19 and under-21 titles. He took over the senior role after Luis Enrique’s departure, following Spain’s exit in the 2022 World Cup last-16 against Morocco.
“I knew where I wanted to be. I’m at home with the RFEF, and I’m very happy. We never considered any other option,” he added. “I’m grateful to the RFEF for their effort. I feel even happier because I’ve been treated so well. We work from a position of stability.”
Under his leadership, Spain claimed a record fourth European Championship title last year, winning all seven of their matches in Germany.
La Roja will begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign later this year after the Nations League, where they face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals in March.
With a young squad, including teenage star Lamine Yamal, Spain is expected to be one of the favourites for the 2026 World Cup.
“I could get carried away by excitement and promise a lot,” said De la Fuente. “But I only promise enthusiasm, effort, and hard work to reach our goals. We will give everything to achieve something. We have a lot of football potential, but so do our rivals.”
If De la Fuente stays until the end of his extended contract, he will become Spain’s longest-serving coach since Vicente del Bosque, who spent eight years in charge and won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
