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Cifuentes replaces Ruud van Nistelrooy, who left the Foxes at the end of June after seven disastrous months in charge that saw Leicester relegated from the Premier League with five matches remaining as it finished 18th, 13 points from safety.

Cifuentes, 43, left QPR last month by mutual consent and has signed a three-year deal with Leicester.

"It's a great honour to be appointed Leicester City manager," Cifuentes said.

"This is a fantastic club with a proud history, and it's a privilege for me to be asked to help write the next chapter.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know the players, as well as connecting with our supporters and the city in the weeks and months ahead.

"I can see the passion that exists here, and I'm excited to begin this journey together."

Cifuentes took charge of QPR in October 2023 and led the club out of the relegation zone to an 18th-place finish that season, before guiding it to 15th in 2024-2025.

The Spaniard took charge of 78 games in the Championship during his spell with the club, winning 27 of his matches while losing 28 and drawing 23.

Leicester will begin its 2025-2026 Championship campaign at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Monday, 11 August (AEST).