SPAIN EXTEND DE LA FUENTE’S CONTRACT AFTER WORLD CUP TRIUMPH

Spain’s World Cup-winning coach, Luis de la Fuente, has signed a new contract that will keep him in charge of the national team until 2032. The Spanish Football Federation, RFEF, confirmed the extension on Monday, securing the 65-year-old’s services through the 2028 European Championship, 2030 World Cup and 2032 European Championship.

De la Fuente took over as Spain’s senior coach in 2022 after the departure of Luis Enrique and has since guided the country to three major international titles. Under his leadership, Spain won the 2023 UEFA Nations League, the 2024 European Championship and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, establishing one of the most successful periods in the national team’s recent history.

The new agreement represents a four-year extension beyond his previous contract, which was due to expire after Euro 2028. The deal was formally approved by the RFEF executive committee in Madrid, with reports indicating that it also includes a significant increase in the coach’s salary. The federation said the long-term agreement reflects its desire to maintain continuity with the coach who has delivered major trophies.

Since taking charge, De la Fuente has overseen 50 matches for Spain, recording 38 victories, 10 draws and only two defeats. Spain’s only competitive loss under him came against Scotland, while the other defeat was in a friendly against Colombia. The national team is also currently on a record 38-match unbeaten run in international football.

De la Fuente’s new contract will see him lead Spain into another major cycle, beginning with the Nations League campaign and continuing through the next two European Championships and the 2030 World Cup. Spain are scheduled to begin their Nations League campaign against England at Wembley on September 26 before facing Croatia and the Czech Republic during the international window.