Sarina Wiegman has signed a contract extension that will keep her as England women’s head coach through Euro 2029. Her previous deal was due to expire after next summer’s World Cup, and the new agreement gives her the chance to lead the Lionesses to three European championship titles in a row.
It is the second contract extension Wiegman has signed with England since she took charge in September 2021. Before arriving in England she led her native Netherlands to European Championship glory in 2017, and she has reached the final of each of the past five major tournaments, finishing as a World Cup runner-up twice.
“I am so happy to be able to carry on with this squad and cannot think of a better job in football,” Wiegman said. “Working for a world-class organisation like the FA, and alongside so many people dedicated to winning England teams and the growth of our game, excites me every day.”
England will reach the World Cup finals in Brazil next June and July if they come through a two-leg playoff against Ukraine, for which they are heavy favourites. “My main concern right now is absolutely the World Cup, and helping this squad realise their potential in the years to come,” Wiegman said.
The Football Association’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, welcomed the agreement. “Sarina is an incredible coach with an unparalleled record in major tournaments and I am so happy to continue to work with her for the next Euro cycle,” he said. Wiegman, who turns 57 next Monday, will continue to be assisted by Janneke Bijl, Arvid Smit and Darren Ward.
The extension also opens the possibility that Wiegman could coach Team GB at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, should the team qualify. She had refused to be drawn on questions about her future before England’s two games against Greece during the recent international break, but the Chelsea midfielder Keira Walsh said last week that “obviously I’d want her to stay”.
“Sarina’s the boss, I would never ask her those questions, but I think everyone in England would love her to stay,” Walsh said. “I’ve played a lot of games for her and I really appreciate her as a manager.”