Luis de la Fuente wrote a new chapter in Spanish soccer history after leading the national team to victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 65-year-old coach guided Spain to its second world title and completed a period marked by major international trophies. However, one particular aspect of his career began attracting attention after the final.

A publication reported that the Spain coach had joined a small group of World Cup-winning managers who reached the summit without having previously coached a top-flight team.

The similarities with Lionel Scaloni

De la Fuente’s story also shares similarities with that of Lionel Scaloni, his opponent in the 2026 World Cup final.

The Argentine coach began his career as a member of Jorge Sampaoli’s coaching staff and later worked with Argentina’s youth teams before taking charge of the senior side.

Scaloni had also never managed a top-flight club when he won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Both showed that experience on the biggest club sidelines is not the only route to success with a national team.

Their careers were also connected before they faced each other for the world title, as Scaloni completed part of his coaching education in Spain and crossed paths with De la Fuente during that process.

A sign for Rafa Márquez?

Rafa Márquez took charge of Mexico’s national team project after working with youth teams and serving as an assistant with the senior side.

Although the former defender has experience managing Barcelona Atlètic, he has yet to take permanent charge of a top-flight club.

De la Fuente’s career does not guarantee that other coaches can repeat his success, but it does show that knowledge of the players, continuity within a project and experience working with youth national teams can compensate for a lack of top-flight managerial experience.