<
>

Luis de la Fuente extends contract with Spain to 2028

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente will remain in charge of the national team through to 2028, the country's football federation (RFEF) announced on Monday.

De la Fuente's previous deal was to expire after the 2026 World Cup.

The new and improved contract will see the 63-year-old guide La Roja through the 2028 European Championship when Spain attempt to defend the title they won last year.

"May this never end," an emotional De la Fuente said on Monday.

"I feel right at home here. I am where I want to be and I never considered any other option. We are eager to continue winning. That is the mentality we have to have. This has to be our motivation. It's a constant improvement. We have a spectacular base, an insatiable mentality on a sporting level.

"I think we will fight for very important things. We will give our all in all competitions to achieve more titles. I hope there are more victories, united we are stronger. We have tried to convey that we are a family, that we all have an important role.

"I feel the same pressure as always. I want to follow the same steps that have taken me here. We can always improve, be more competitive each day."

The former Alaves boss replaced Luis Enrique as coach in December 2022 following Spain's round-of-16 elimination from the World Cup.

He had previously coached Spain's under-21 side, and also led the Olympic team to a silver medal at the 2022 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

After succeeding Luis Enrique, De la Fuente steered the national team to the 2023 Nations League title.

He then held the reins as Spain won their fourth European Championship title at Euro 2024.

Spain are back in action in March when they take on the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the Nations League.