Is Luis De La Fuente leaving Spain to coach the USA?

In the world of soccer, unexpected changes always cause a stir. And the latest is one that makes even the most skeptical of fans stop and take notice. Luis De La Fuente, the captain who took Spain to the top of Euro 2024, has set his sights on the job of coach of the United States men's national team. That's right, the man who turned La Roja into a winning machine could be about to make a surprising leap across the Atlantic.

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It all started when the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) fired Gregg Berhalter after a disastrous Copa America campaign. With the vacancy open and a clear desire to find a "serial winner" to lead the team until the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, De La Fuente's representatives wasted no time. In a bold move, they sent an email to the USSF expressing interest in the position.

At 63, De La Fuente has built a solid career in his home country, climbing the ranks of the Royal Spanish Football Federation since 2013. After guiding youth teams and the Olympic squad, he took over Spain's senior team in 2022 and hasn't looked back. Under him, Spain not only won the UEFA Nations League in 2023, but also had a flawless campaign at Euro 2024, winning all seven games.

But what motivates a successful coach to consider such a drastic change? De La Fuente has already shown that he is not afraid of challenges. In his own words, he is always looking for new horizons and opportunities for growth, both for himself and his players. And it is this ambition that has led him to consider the offer of the United States, a team that, despite recent setbacks, has immense potential to be exploited.

De La Fuente's arrival in the United States would be a watershed moment. Known for his ability to develop young talent, he could be the key to transforming the American national team into a respectable force on the international stage. Players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, who shone under his tutelage at Euro 2024, are living proof of his ability to harness raw talent.

However, this move is not just about the coach. The choice of De La Fuente also reflects an urgent need for change at the USSF. Matt Crocker, USSF sporting director, is in the early stages of his search for a coach who not only understands the importance of immediate success, but is also willing to invest in the team's future. The choice of De La Fuente would be a bold step in that direction.

Of course, the arrival of a renowned foreign coach like De La Fuente in the United States would not be without its challenges. The American soccer culture, with its peculiar mix of expectation and skepticism, will require adaptations from both him and the players. But if anyone is capable of navigating these turbulent waters, it's De La Fuente. His balanced approach, which combines tactical rigor with creative freedom, could be just what the US national team needs to take the next step.

Ultimately, Luis De La Fuente's possible move to the US national team is a fascinating chapter in a storybook already full of twists and surprises. If realized, this move would not only bring a new level of expertise and experience to American soccer, but could also signal the beginning of a new era for the US national team. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, time will tell whether this bold gamble will be rewarded with the success everyone is hoping for.

For now, the soccer world is watching closely, waiting for the next move from one of today's most intriguing and innovative coaches. Will De La Fuente be the name that finally puts the United States on the world soccer map? Or will he remain in charge of the Spanish national team? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this story of who will be USMNT coach is far from over. Other names have been on the radar, such as Jürgen Klopp, the world's most coveted unemployed coach, as well as possible MLS candidates including Wilfried Nancy of Columbus and Steve Cherundolo of Los Angeles FC.