World Cup 2026: 16 titles in five years – why Spain are a dominant force
When Spain appointed Luis de la Fuente as head coach in December 2022, few expected him to win the Nations League (2023), European Championship (2024) and World Cup (2026) in such a short time frame.
Spain had been eliminated from the World Cup by Morocco in the last 16 in Qatar and the federation needed a new player after Luis Enrique left his post.
“They went with this man [De La Fuente] Who understands the style and the system,” Balague added.
“It was a very risky decision; I don’t think anyone thought it would be this successful.”
It looked risky because De La Fuente took charge of Spain, which had won three of the last five men’s European Championships (2008, 2012, 2024) without managing a major club.
After retiring as a player in 1994, De La Fuente spent 15 years working for different clubs in the lower Spanish leagues in different roles, including managerial, youth roles and assistant coach positions, before taking charge of Spain’s youth teams.
“De la Fuente knows most of these players from the academies and they are growing as a team,” former Spain midfielder Juan Mata told BBC Sport.
“This is not just the team for now, it’s also a team for the future.”
Since his appointment as senior manager following stints at under-19, under-21 and Olympic level, De La Fuente has implemented a culture that respects opponents and the process and preaches patience and calm.
“Most of you are younger than me and you have to respect experience,” the 65-year-old told reporters at a pre-match press conference in New York on Friday.
“After finishing the match, there were players who said, ‘Coach, since we have won everything in all categories, what else is there left to win?’
“We came to the conclusion that the only thing left is the next game in September because this team is ruthless.”
The success of the national teams and Spanish coaches was also reflected in club football.
Despite Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave Manchester City after 10 trophy-filled years, at least a quarter of the managers starting the 2026-27 Premier League season are Spanish.
Spain are unbeaten in their last 38 matches in all competitions; this was the longest streak by any European or South American team in history.
