Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente has made history by leading his team to victory over France in the 2026 World Cup semifinal on Tuesday.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro in each half ensured a 2-0 triumph against France, securing Spain's place in their first World Cup final since 2010.
As reported by Stat Foot, De la Fuente is now the first coach ever to remain unbeaten (13 wins and one draw) in his first 14 matches at a major tournament with a European national team (EURO + World Cup).
The 65-year-old's unbeaten streak dates back to the 2024 European Championships, where Spain emerged victorious in all seven of their matches, and they have already achieved six wins and one draw in the 2026 World Cup.
De la Fuente has the opportunity to further extend this unbeaten streak in the World Cup final against either Argentina or England on Sunday.
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His managerial journey began at Portugalete in the regional leagues. In the summer of 2000, he took on the role at Segunda División B club Aurrerá de Vitoria but was dismissed in March the following year despite a seventh-place standing.
After a stint back at Sevilla (academy), De la Fuente returned to Athletic. He initially managed the youth and reserve teams and served as a match delegate for two years before resuming his previous responsibilities.
On July 13, 2011, De la Fuente was appointed as the coach of Alavés, but he was let go on October 17.
Beginning in 2013, he worked with the Spanish youth teams, leading the under-19 squad to victory in the 2015 European Championship and the under-21 team to the same success in 2019.
He guided the Olympic team to a silver medal at the 2020 games and took charge of the senior team in 2022, winning the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024.
