Spain coach Luis de la Fuente insists winning the World Cup is "not enough" as La Roja begin a new chapter with their sights already set on further international success.
Spain return to action this week for the first time since lifting the World Cup, with England awaiting in the Nations League on Saturday.
After winning Euro 2024 and following that triumph by becoming world champions this summer, Spain have established themselves at the summit of international football. However, De la Fuente is determined to prevent complacency from creeping into his squad.
The 65-year-old revealed that his attention had already turned to Spain's next challenge within minutes of their World Cup final victory over Argentina in New Jersey in July.
"In the heat of the moment, two or three minutes later, a player came up to me and said, 'What do we still have to win?' Well, the match against England on 26 September," De la Fuente said.
"This team never stops. The World Cup isn't enough – we have to be better. What we've achieved isn't enough to win the next match."
De la Fuente underlined his long-term commitment to the national team this week by signing a contract extension through to 2032.
Spain's next major target is Euro 2028, where they will have the opportunity to emulate the country's historic generation that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
De la Fuente acknowledged the difficulty of repeating such a remarkable run of success but believes Spain must continue putting themselves in contention for major honours.
"In life it's very hard to win, and many more teams lose than win," he said.
"Repeating past successes in terms of titles... we're going to try to be in a position to compete to win.
"Now we're the team to beat. That's an added motivation."
England, coached by Thomas Tuchel, will provide an immediate test. The Three Lions were beaten by Spain in the Euro 2024 final and will offer an early indication of the standards La Roja must maintain as world champions.
De la Fuente has retained much of his World Cup-winning squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against England, Croatia twice and the Czech Republic.
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and captain Rodri remain central figures and are both in contention for the Ballon d'Or.
There are, however, several changes to the squad.
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez returns after missing the World Cup because of a foot injury, while Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has also been recalled.
An injury to goalkeeper Joan Garcia has opened the door for Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez, while in-form Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez could make his senior Spain debut. Ivan Fresneda also received a late call-up following an injury to Tottenham defender Pedro Porro.
"How could there not be continuity with players who have won everything?" De la Fuente said. "But that doesn't mean we won't give a chance to those who are knocking on the door."
Competition in attack could prove particularly significant.
Mikel Oyarzabal led Spain's forward line for much of the World Cup, while Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the final. Fernandez now has an opportunity to challenge for a place after being selected ahead of Real Madrid's Carlos Espi.
Several positions are expected to remain fiercely contested throughout the Nations League and during the build-up to Euro 2028.
For De la Fuente, that competition is exactly what Spain need. Despite conquering Europe and the world, his message remains unchanged: past trophies will not guarantee future success, and Spain must continue evolving if they want to remain at the top.
