Just one day after winning the Euro championship, the Spanish coach wanted to resign.
In a stunning turn of events, the global sports media has been abuzz with the news that Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente is considering stepping down just one day after leading his team to victory at Euro 2024. De la Fuente, 63, who guided La Roja to a historic triumph in Germany by winning all seven matches, including the final against England, is reportedly eyeing a new challenge as head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT), a co-host for the 2026 World Cup.
Luis de la Fuente’s leadership at Euro 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. Spain secured its fourth European Championship title with a flawless performance, culminating in a decisive victory against England in the final. This success has only heightened interest in De la Fuente’s future, with many eager to see what challenges he might pursue next.
According to the Washington Post, the Spanish strategist is eager to take on a new challenge ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The report indicates that De la Fuente is interested in leading the USMNT, one of the tournament’s co-hosts. The 63-year-old coach’s interest is reportedly so strong that his agent has already reached out to the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to express his client’s interest in the position.
The USMNT is currently in the market for a new head coach following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter. This decision came after a disappointing performance at Copa America 2024, where the US was eliminated in the group stage on home soil. The American soccer authorities are determined to make a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup and are seeking a talented coach to lead the team.
In their search, the USSF has approached several high-profile names, including Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp, who recently ended a successful nine-year stint at Anfield. However, Klopp declined the offer, stating his desire for an extended break. Another candidate considered was LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo, known for his impressive work in Los Angeles over the past two years.
Luis de la Fuente is under contract with the Spanish national team until July 2026 and was expected to lead La Roja into the World Cup following their Euro 2024 success. Despite his achievements, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague noted that De la Fuente’s salary is “very, very low” compared to his peers. This financial disparity might be a driving factor behind his interest in the USMNT role, potentially leveraging his success to secure a better contract.
Should De la Fuente leave Spain, his fellow countryman and former Liverpool and Champions League-winning manager Rafa Benitez has shown a keen interest in taking over as the head coach of La Roja.
Luis de la Fuente’s potential move to the USMNT represents a significant development in international football. His possible departure from Spain just after a monumental Euro 2024 victory underscores the complex dynamics and high stakes in the world of soccer management. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the decisions made by both De la Fuente and the USSF will undoubtedly shape the future of the teams involved and the tournament itself.
