A Champion Spain and De la Fuente Praises La Roja as an Example of Spanish Sport

The Spanish national team defeated Argentina 1-0, and their coach praised the squad as a model of pride and perseverance.

"This team is an example of Spanish sports."

Spain made history again in the 2026 World Cup. La Roja defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final held in New York, thanks to Ferran Torres' goal in extra time. The forward, who came off the bench, repeated the feat of 2010, when Spain won its first World Cup.

Luis de la Fuente, emotional after the victory, did not hesitate to praise his players: "They are an example for Spanish sports, for the youth, for the entire country." The coach highlighted the dedication and discipline of a team that knew how to dominate every stage of the tournament and is now stitching their second star onto the jersey.

An unprecedented final

Argentina suffered the expulsion of Enzo Fernández in stoppage time, after a foul on Pau Cubarsí, and never managed to trouble the Spanish defense. In fact, the Albiceleste did not register a single shot in the 90 minutes, something unprecedented in a final since 1966. Spain, on the other hand, was decisive with little efficiency, 20 shots, 12 on target, and an xG of 1.94 compared to just 0.17 for their opponent.

Records and consecration

With this title, Spain became the fourth team to win consecutive European Championships and World Cups, joining Germany, France, and themselves in the 2008–2012 cycle. In addition, they have accumulated 38 unbeaten matches (29 victories and 9 draws), a historic record for a European men's team. The individual awards also reflected the dominance, with Rodri winning the tournament's Golden Ball, Unai Simón the Golden Glove, and Cubarsí being named Best Young Player.