World Cup 2026: 16 trophies in five years – why Spain is the dominant force.

In the year When Spain appointed Luis de la Fuente as head coach in December 2022, few expected the Nations League (2023), the European Championship (2024) and the World Cup (2026) to deliver in such a short period of time.

The federation needed a replacement after Spain were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco in the last 16 in Qatar. Luis Enrique quit his role.

“They went with this guy (de la Fuente), they understood the strategy and the system,” Balague added.

“It was a very risky decision – I don’t think anyone thought it would be this successful.”

The reason this looked dangerous was because De La Fuente was in charge of Spain, who had won three of five European Championships without managing a major club.

In the year After retiring as a player in 1994, de la Fuente spent 15 years in various roles in the lower Spanish leagues, including youth roles and assistant coaching positions, before taking charge of Spain’s youth teams.

“Dela Fuente knew most of the players from the academies and they are growing as a team,” former Spain midfielder Juan Mata told BBC Sport.

“This is not only for the current team, but also for the future.”

De la Finte has practiced respect for opponents and preached patience and composure in the process since taking charge at Under-19, Under-21 and Olympic level.

“Most of you are younger than me and you have to respect experience,” the 65-year-old told reporters at a pre-match news conference in New York on Friday.

When we finished the game, there were footballers who said, ‘Coach, now that we have won everything in all categories, what is there to win?’

“We have come to the conclusion that all that is left is the next match in September because this team is relentless.”

The success of national teams and Spanish coaches has carried over to club football.

Despite Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave Manchester City after 10 years in the title, at least a quarter of the managers who will start the 2026-27 Premier League season are Spanish.

Spain are unbeaten in their last 38 matches in all competitions, the longest ever by any team in Europe or South America.