Sarina Wiegman has signed a two-year contract extension as England women's head coach, the Football Association announced on 19 October 2026. The new deal keeps the Dutchwoman in the job through Euro 2029 and covers that tournament. Her previous contract was due to expire after next summer's World Cup, so the extension secures her future well beyond that event.
The previous agreement ran to 2027, after next year's World Cup. The extension gives Wiegman the chance to lead England to three European titles in a row. Assistant coaches Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit, along with goalkeeper coach Darren Ward, have also extended their contracts through to 2029. The announcement came on 19 October 2026.
Wiegman said, "I am so happy to be able to carry on with this squad and cannot think of a better job in football". She added, "my main concern right now is absolutely the World Cup". She had previously sidestepped questions about her future before England's recent World Cup playoff against Greece.
Mark Bullingham, the FA CEO, was quoted: "There is no one better to lead the Lionesses into the next two tournaments." Wiegman could also be looking at the Great Britain job if the team qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The extension means she can aim for a third consecutive European championship with the Lionesses.
Wiegman took the England job in September 2021 and had earlier led her native Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title. Over the last five major tournaments she has reached the final every time, and she finished as World Cup runner-up twice. England won Euro 2022 and Euro 2025 under her and reached the 2023 World Cup final.
England beat Spain on penalties in the Euro 2025 final, and Wiegman has won the BEST FIFA Women's Coach award five times. On the pitch, England finished second in their qualifying group behind Spain and had to go through the playoffs for the 2027 World Cup. They won the first leg of the playoff semi-final 3-1 away to Greece.
England won the second leg 5-0 at the King Power Stadium on 13 October 2026. They now face Ukraine over two legs in the final World Cup playoff round, with the winner qualifying for Brazil 2027. England must travel for the first leg, as Ukraine are unable to host matches in their own country. The return leg is at Wembley on 5 December.
