Spain aims for second World Cup title 16 years after historic 2010 victory

Spain's national football team, affectionately known as "La Furia Roja," stands on the cusp of potentially claiming their second World Cup title. They are scheduled to face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, a match that carries significant weight as it marks 16 years since their historic maiden victory in South Africa 2010.

The "Furia Roja" has a rich history in the world's most popular sport, having participated in 17 World Cup editions since their debut in Italy in 1934. While they have consistently been a force in European football, their global success has been limited to a single triumph. Before their 2010 victory, their best performance was a fourth-place finish in Brazil 1950. The team's crowning achievement in 2010, led by coach Vicente del Bosque, was characterized by a fluid, possession-based style of play. They secured the title with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over the Netherlands, with Andrés Iniesta scoring the decisive goal.

Following their golden generation, which included stars like Iker Casillas, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, and David Villa, Spain experienced a downturn. They suffered early exits in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, including a particularly humbling 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands in 2014. However, a resurgence has occurred under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente. His tenure has seen Spain capture the Euro 2024 championship and reach the final of the 2025 Nations League, which they lost to Portugal.

Now, with the chance to add a second star to their jersey, Spain prepares for a final showdown against Argentina. The match is set to kick off at 15:00 local time (19:00 GMT) in New Jersey, promising a captivating conclusion to the tournament.

“

This Sunday, they will have the chance to crown a process, seeking the second star in the history of the Spanish national team.