Luis de la Fuente Warns Spain Must Improve Despite World Cup Triumph

Posted : 23 September 2026

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has made it clear that winning the 2026 World Cup will not change his team's approach as the reigning champions return to international action against England.

Spain lifted the World Cup after beating Argentina in the July final in New Jersey, completing another major success under De la Fuente following their Euro 2024 triumph. The coach has now signed a contract extension that keeps him in charge through 2032.

De la Fuente believes Spain must continue developing rather than relying on their recent achievements. He has already turned his attention to the next challenge, with the Nations League providing the first opportunity for the world champions to demonstrate that they can maintain their standards.

Spain's opening Nations League fixture will come against England at Wembley on September 26. The match will be followed by games against Croatia and the Czech Republic before Spain face Croatia again in Split.

The upcoming meeting with England will offer an immediate test for De la Fuente's squad. Spain's 26-man selection retains much of the group that won the World Cup, including Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Pedri, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.

There are also several changes as De la Fuente begins to introduce fresh options. Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has returned after missing the World Cup through injury, while Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen is back in the squad. Espanyol forward Roberto Fernandez and Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez have also received their first call-ups.

The coach has stressed that continuity remains important after such a successful period, but competition for places will continue. Spain's current squad therefore combines established World Cup winners with players hoping to establish themselves during the new international cycle.

De la Fuente's contract extension provides a long-term framework for that development. The agreement runs through Euro 2032 and includes the 2030 World Cup, which Spain will co-host with Portugal and Morocco.

Spain's next major objective will be Euro 2028, where they will attempt to defend their continental title. The team will also have an opportunity to build toward the 2030 World Cup on home soil, making the coming Nations League campaign an important part of the next phase.

De la Fuente has described the post-World Cup period as the beginning of a new story for Spain. With England providing the first opponent, the coach's emphasis is on continued improvement rather than allowing the team's recent trophies to lower its standards.

Luis de la Fuente Warns Spain Must Improve Despite World Cup Triumph

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