Spain has emerged as a dominant force in international football, marked by a remarkable streak of success under head coach Luis de la Fuente. Since his appointment in December 2022, the national team has secured the Nations League (2023) and the European Championship (2024), with a World Cup title in 2026 as a future target.
This period of triumph follows Spain's exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated by Morocco in the Round of 16. De la Fuente, who previously managed Spain's youth teams at under-19, under-21, and Olympic levels, was chosen to replace Luis Enrique. His appointment was considered a risk by some, as he had not managed a major club prior to taking the senior national team role. However, his familiarity with the players from their academy days and his understanding of the team's established style were key factors.
"De la Fuente knew most of these players from the academies and they are growing as a team," said former Spain midfielder Juan Mata. "This is not only a team for the present, but also a team for the future."
De la Fuente has fostered a culture emphasizing respect for rivals and the process, advocating for patience and calmness within the squad. He reportedly told journalists, "Most of you are younger than me and you need to respect experience." The coach also noted the team's relentless pursuit of further success, with players asking, "coach, now what else is there to win as we have won everything in all the categories." The team's focus remains on the next match, demonstrating their continuous ambition.
Spain's current unbeaten run stands at 38 matches in all competitions, setting a historical record for any European or South American team. This success extends beyond the men's national team, with the women's team also achieving significant victories, making Spain the first nation to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles concurrently.
The influence of Spanish football is also evident in club management. Despite prominent coaches like Pep Guardiola departing top leagues, an estimated quarter of managers in the Premier League for the 2026-27 season are expected to be Spanish, reflecting the global impact of Spanish coaching expertise.