Luis de la Fuente wishes to face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final

Spain's national football team coach, Luis de la Fuente, revealed a personal desire to face Argentina in the final of the 2026 World Cup, largely due to his friendly relationship with Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni. Spain clinched their place in the final after a 2-0 victory over France in the first semifinal match.

De la Fuente explained that his acquaintance with Scaloni began when the Argentine coach was pursuing his coaching license in Spain. De la Fuente himself was one of Scaloni's instructors during that course, fostering a connection between the two.

"I would be thrilled to play against Argentina because of the friendship I have with Scaloni, but England will also be a very tough opponent," De la Fuente stated in a press conference following Spain's qualification. He acknowledged that regardless of the opponent, the final would present a significant challenge.

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I would be thrilled to play against Argentina because of the friendship I have with Scaloni, but England will also be a very tough opponent.

The coach highlighted the unprecedented nature of the 2026 World Cup semifinals, which featured the top four teams in the FIFA rankings. "We have reached the semifinals with the four best FIFA-ranked teams for the first time in history. Either of the two semifinals could easily have been the final," he noted.

Spain now awaits the outcome of the second semifinal between Argentina and England, scheduled to be played in Atlanta. The winner will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, as Spain aims to secure their second world title.

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We have reached the semifinals with the four best FIFA-ranked teams for the first time in history. Either of the two semifinals could easily have been the final.