Spain coach De la Fuente gets new deal after World Cup success

Spain have officially confirmed coach Luis de la Fuente’s contract extension until the end of the 2032 European Championship following his historic 2026 World Cup triumph.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) ratified the six-year extension at its Executive Committee meeting in Madrid on Monday, formally approving an agreement that had been reached during the World Cup, according to Reuters.

The new deal will take De la Fuente through three major tournaments — Euro 2028, the 2030 World Cup and Euro 2032 in Turkey and Italy.

It is the longest tenure ever agreed for a Spain head coach, ending the uncertainty over De la Fuente’s future that followed the country’s World Cup triumph in July.

Vanguard had previously reported that the 65-year-old was set to sign a new deal after leading Spain to successive major tournament triumphs at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.

De la Fuente has now delivered three major trophies since taking charge of Spain, having also won the Nations League before the European Championship and World Cup. The only major title to elude him was the 2025 Nations League, which Spain lost to Portugal on penalties.

The new agreement reportedly includes a considerable pay rise, according to sources close to the federation cited by Reuters.

De la Fuente has managed 50 matches since taking charge of Spain, recording 38 wins, 10 draws and only two defeats. His two losses came against Scotland in a competitive fixture and Colombia in a friendly in London. Spain are also currently on a record 38-match unbeaten run in international football.

The RFEF said De la Fuente and federation president Rafael Louzan would hold a press conference later on Monday.

The contract extension means De la Fuente will remain in charge when Spain defends their World Cup title at the 2030 tournament, which the country will co-host with Portugal and Morocco.