Spain wins second World Cup title, coach De la Fuente hails 'honor' of leading players

Spain's national football team secured its second World Cup title on July 19, 2026, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a hard-fought final. Coach Luis de la Fuente, visibly emotional after the victory, spoke of the immense pride and honor he felt leading this generation of players.

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I feel immense pride for this generation of footballers, who have grown, remained faithful to an idea, and shaped that idea. They are players with exceptional talent, and accompanying these players is an honor.

"I feel immense pride for this generation of footballers, who have grown, remained faithful to an idea, and shaped that idea. They are players with exceptional talent, and accompanying these players is an honor," said the coach. He emphasized the team's journey and their collective strength, noting, "Now I am very emotional. The players told me, 'Coach, we have won everything.' And it's true. This is a generation of footballers who are an example for Spanish sport and for Spanish youth. Together we are stronger!"

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Now I am very emotional. The players told me, 'Coach, we have won everything.' And it's true. This is a generation of footballers who are an example for Spanish sport and for Spanish youth. Together we are stronger!

Reflecting on the final match, which was decided by a goal from Ferran Torres in extra time, De la Fuente believed the result was fair. "What had to happen happened. The fair outcome today was for Spain to win," he stated. He acknowledged the difficulty of the game, particularly the saves made by Argentina's goalkeeper, Dibu Martínez, which prevented Spain from scoring earlier. "The match should have been decided earlier. Dibu's great saves prevented us from going ahead sooner. Even with an extra player, it was tough; it's a World Cup final. In the end, we were very anxious for four or five minutes," he admitted.

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What had to happen happened. The fair outcome today was for Spain to win.