De la Fuente extends contract as Spain manager until Euro 2028

Spain’s national football team manager, Luis de la Fuente, has signed a contract extension that will see him remain at the helm until Euro 2028, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Monday.

De la Fuente, 63, will first lead Spain through the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, before focusing on the Euros in Britain and Ireland.

Under his leadership, Spain clinched the 2024 European Championship title, defeating England 2-1 in the final, marking a flawless campaign with seven consecutive victories.

“We will give our all to the national team, in all competitions, and hopefully more victories will come. United we are stronger,” De la Fuente said during a press conference. “We have a lot of football potential, but our rivals do too.”

De la Fuente has an impressive coaching resume, having started with Spain’s youth teams in 2013. He guided the under-19s and later led the under-23s to a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Appointed as the senior team’s manager in 2022, he steered Spain to the UEFA Nations League title in 2023.

Reflecting on his journey, De la Fuente said, “I don’t know if I was happier back then or if I am happier now, but now I have more experience. I value much more where I am, what lies ahead, and the pressure.

“I am demanding of myself. The pressure from outside, which should be there, does not affect me as much. I am the most self-critical, and I am not afraid to take a leap if I am convinced. I will continue on the same path that has brought us here, trying to improve and grow.”

Spain’s next challenge will be against the Netherlands on March 20 in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. The outcome will determine which World Cup qualifying group they join, with winners placed in smaller groups of four.

With a strong foundation and De la Fuente’s proven ability to foster talent and deliver results, Spain aims to build on their recent successes and remain a dominant force in international football.

SportsLigue