After losing the UEFA Nations League 2025 final against Portugal, Spain’s new golden generation wasted no time in looking ahead. In a now-viral Instagram story, Pedri posted a photo with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, accompanied by a cryptic date: “19 07 26.”

A clear target: the 2026 FIFA World Cup final

The date wasn’t random. July 19, 2026 marks the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The post hinted at a strong and ambitious message: Spain’s young core is already setting their sights on football’s biggest prize.

Lamine Yamal shared the post shortly after, confirming the unity and shared vision of the trio. Despite the heartbreak in Munich, their focus has quickly shifted to redemption on a global stage.

Not a taunt—an ambitious statement

While some could see it as a reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional triumph, the post carried no ill will. It instead reflected the resilience and ambition of this bold, talented Spanish generation.

Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, didn’t hide the new goal after the final:

“From this very moment, we are already thinking about the next World Cup. That’s our objective.”

Spain’s young stars set the tone

Following their Euro 2024 triumph, Spain’s core of Pedri, Yamal, and Nico Williams has become the symbol of a new era. The message behind that date is clear: they’re not done yet.

The Instagram post wasn’t just an image—it was a quiet but powerful message: they’re coming back, and this time, they want it all.