Sarina Wiegman has extended her contract as England women's head coach through to 2029, a move that will come as a major boost to the Lionesses. Her deal was originally set to expire in 2027, after next year's World Cup, but the extension takes her tenure through to after the 2029 European Championship. Sources told ESPN that the FA offered Wiegman a package comfortably more than anything previously offered to a Lionesses coach.
Under Wiegman, England won the European Championships in 2022 and 2025 and reached the final of the 2023 World Cup. She has also been named FIFA Women's Coach of the Year five times. Wiegman had faced questions about her future ahead of England's recent World Cup playoffs against Greece, but the new deal brings clarity and relief to the FA.
Wiegman said she was happy to continue with the squad and praised the FA for its backing of her, her coaches and support team, and the players. She stressed that her immediate focus remains the World Cup and helping the squad reach its potential in the years ahead. Her assistants Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit and goalkeeper coach Darren Ward have also extended their contracts through 2029.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said Wiegman is an incredible coach with an unparalleled record in major tournaments. England must still secure its place at next year's World Cup, with a playoff against Ukraine to come. Wiegman could also take charge of Great Britain if they qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing