Luis de la Fuente Eyes Another Milestone in His 50th Match With Spain

Spain's head coach will celebrate his 50th game in charge during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina. His record already ranks among the best starts by any European national team manager.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will not only decide the world champion but also mark a major milestone for Luis de la Fuente. The Spanish coach will take charge of his 50th match with the national team, capping one of the most impressive managerial starts in European international football.

De la Fuente has recorded 37 wins, 10 draws and just two defeats in his first 49 matches (one in 2021 and 48 since March 2023), establishing himself as one of the most successful national team coaches at the beginning of his tenure.

Among European national team managers, only Vicente del Bosque with Spain (43 wins), Roberto Martínez with Belgium (39) and Gusztáv Sebes with Hungary (38) collected more victories in their first 50 matches in charge.

Even so, De la Fuente already owns a unique achievement. No other coach in the history of European national teams has lost as few matches in his first 50 games, suffering only two defeats, a testament to the consistency and stability he has brought back to Spain.

With the World Cup trophy on the line, the Spanish manager now has the chance to crown an already historic start by leading La Roja back to the summit of world football.