Football
Sarina Wiegman extends England contract until Euro 2029
The Dutch coach will remain in charge of the Lionesses for another two years beyond her previous deal, which was due to expire after the 2027 Women's World Cup, as England pursue a third consecutive European title.
19 October 2026
England women's national team manager Sarina Wiegman has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep her in charge of the Lionesses until the end of the 2029 UEFA Women's European Championship.
The Football Association (FA) confirmed the agreement on Monday, 19 October 2026, securing the future of the 56-year-old Dutch coach beyond the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, when her previous contract was scheduled to expire.
Wiegman has overseen the most successful period in the Lionesses' history, guiding England to consecutive European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025, as well as the 2023 Women's World Cup final.
Her decision to remain with England provides continuity ahead of two major international tournaments, although the Lionesses must first secure qualification for next year's World Cup.
Speaking after the announcement, Wiegman expressed her enthusiasm about continuing her work with the squad.
"I am so happy to be able to carry on with this squad and cannot think of a better job in football," she said in a statement released by the FA.
She also emphasised her commitment to developing the team and supporting the wider growth of women's football in England.
Wiegman builds on historic success with England
Wiegman took charge of England in September 2021, succeeding Phil Neville after establishing herself as one of international football's leading coaches.
She arrived with considerable experience, having led the Netherlands to the 2017 European Championship title and the 2019 Women's World Cup final.
Her impact on England was immediate. In 2022, the Lionesses defeated Germany 2-1 at Wembley to win their first major international trophy.
A year later, England reached the Women's World Cup final in Australia, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Spain.
The team subsequently claimed another European crown in 2025, defeating Spain in the final to become the first England senior national team, men's or women's, to win a major tournament on foreign soil.
That triumph also made Wiegman only the second manager, after Germany's Christina Theune, to win three successive Women's European Championships.
Across her spells with the Netherlands and England, Wiegman has reached five consecutive major international tournament finals, an achievement spanning the European Championships and Women's World Cups.
Her record has strengthened the FA's commitment to retaining her as England prepare for the next phase of their international ambitions.
World Cup qualification remains the immediate priority
Despite securing her long-term future, Wiegman's immediate focus is on guiding England to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The Lionesses moved into the final round of European qualifying play-offs after defeating Greece 8-1 on aggregate.
England won the opening leg 3-1 in Crete before completing a commanding 5-0 victory at Leicester City's King Power Stadium on 13 October.
Alessia Russo and Lauren James both scored twice in the second leg, while Georgia Stanway contributed the other goal.
England will now face Ukraine in a two-legged play-off, with the decisive return fixture scheduled for Wembley Stadium on 5 December 2026.
The winners will qualify for the World Cup, where England would seek to improve on their runners-up finish in 2023.
Wiegman said her immediate concern was securing England's place in Brazil and helping the players fulfil their potential.
FA backs Wiegman for another European campaign
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham welcomed the contract extension, describing Wiegman as an exceptional coach whose achievements have helped transform English women's football.
He praised her tournament record and expressed confidence in her ability to lead England through the next two major international competitions.
The renewed agreement will also take Wiegman through Euro 2029, which is scheduled to be held in Germany.
England will enter that tournament as the reigning European champions if they successfully defend the title they won in 2025.
Before then, the Lionesses are also scheduled to compete in the 2027 UEFA Women's Nations League, a competition connected to the European qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Wiegman will continue working with assistant coaches Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit, alongside goalkeeping coach Darren Ward.
Her contract extension also allows the FA to maintain its existing coaching structure while developing younger players and strengthening connections with England's youth national teams.