World Cup 2026: England boss Thomas Tuchel extends contract until end of home European Championship in 2028
By Will Conroy
Updated 12/02/2026 at 11:17 GMT
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Thomas Tuchel has extended his contract with England until 2028, meaning he will lead the national team into the next European Championship. The 52-year-old, who officially took charge last January, signed an initial deal that expired at the end of this summer's World Cup. But the German is now set to continue until the end of the following tournament, which will be hosted by the home nations.
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Thomas Tuchel has signed a contract extension that will keep him as England head coach until 2028.
After taking charge last January, the German's initial deal was set to expire at the end of this year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
But having "enjoyed every minute" of his time with England, the 52-year-old is now set to be in place until the end of the home European Championship in two years' time.
In a statement on their website, England said the extension "will ensure clarity and full focus on the pitch for the England squad at this summer’s World Cup".
Tuchel said: "I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England. It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup.
"It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud.
"I have had so much support from (FA CEO) Mark (Bullingham), all my colleagues at the FA and from fans wherever I go that I did not hesitate when asked to continue in this dream job."
Tuchel said the Euros in 2028, which are being hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, will be a "very special tournament".
His extension comes after he guided England through World Cup qualification with a perfect record, winning all eight games and not conceding a goal.
The German said at the time that the England job had "re-energised" him, and he would be open to extending his contract after initially pushing for a shorter deal.
Speaking in November, Tuchel said: "I know from many years in professional and club football what makes me happy and what brings the best out of me.
"I love to work with the players and be close to the Premier League. I know also the level of support and trust that I have.
"I was the one to push for a short contract, to streamline it and go to the World Cup, because I was not fully aware of the job and what is needed and how I would feel in the job."
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There had been widespread speculation linking Tuchel with Manchester United, where Michael Carrick is occupying an interim role until the end of the season.
The former Chelsea boss had previously been linked with the Old Trafford job in 2024, reportedly meeting with United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe amid uncertainty over Erik ten Hag's future.
But the commitment to his current role will help to quieten any kind of speculation during this summer's tournament as England look to win their first major trophy in 60 years.
Tuchel's backroom team, made up of Anthony Barry, Henrique Hilario, Nico Mayer and James Melbourne, have also signed extensions until 2028.
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Bullingham said: "I am delighted Thomas has committed to stay with us through to the EUROs in 2028.
"He was the right person for the job when he joined us for the World Cup campaign, and has only strengthened his reputation across the qualifiers.
"We know the players are right behind him, and the togetherness within the group is there for all to see.
"There is simply no better candidate available in world football.
"With his big-game experience, knowledge and passion, he gives the squad the very best chance for success – this summer and with the once-in-a-generation Euro being hosted on these shores in two years’ time."
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