Luis de la Fuente remembers Vicente del Bosque and Andrés Iniesta's goal after beating Argentina in the final of the 2026 World Cup

Spain’s national football team, known as La Furia Roja, claimed their second World Cup title in history after defeating Argentina in a dramatic extra-time victory during the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, New York. The win, which came after a tense 120 minutes of play, marked the culmination of years of hard work and strategic planning under coach Luis de la Fuente. The match, held at a packed stadium in New Jersey, saw Spain overcome a resilient Argentine side with a goal from Ferran Torres in the added time. This victory echoed memories of Spain’s historic 2010 World Cup triumph in South Africa, where they had also secured glory in extra time. De la Fuente, who has previously led his team in four World Cup finals without claiming victory, expressed deep emotion over this latest achievement. Speaking after the match, De la Fuente reflected on the significance of the moment, drawing parallels to the legendary 2010 campaign. He recalled the iconic goal scored by Andrés Iniesta against the Netherlands, a moment that defined Spain’s success in that tournament. “I remember that moment with Vicente del Bosque,” he said, referring to the former manager who guided Spain to its first World Cup title. “When the goal went in, he said there was still time left. It’s a story I’ve lived through, keeping calm was impossible… the euphoria, the pressure, but remembering that, it’s fresh in my mind.” De la Fuente emphasized the emotional weight of the victory, describing himself as overwhelmed by pride and joy. “From the excitement, the honor, the happiness, that’s how it was written,” he said. “We were convinced, thanks to God, we’re here.” His comments came during a post-match press conference, where he acknowledged the challenges faced throughout the tournament. Despite having lost two previous World Cup finals, De la Fuente remained optimistic about the future of Spanish football. He noted that while the journey has been difficult, the results have come through consistent effort and dedication. “I’ve faced criticism, but the outcomes have been based on hard work,” he said. “Today, I’m proud to be a champion.” The victory also highlighted the resilience and quality of Spain’s current squad. De la Fuente praised the players for their commitment and teamwork, calling them an exceptional group. “We’re where we should be,” he said. “We’re privileged to represent our country. We must see the success, but also recognize the great teammates who have traveled with us. They are extraordinary both on and off the pitch.” Looking ahead, De la Fuente expressed a desire to enjoy the present moment before focusing on future matches. “We don’t rush things,” he said. “We need to appreciate each stage, today is special, but we’ll move forward one game at a time.” His comments reflect a balanced approach to success, emphasizing both celebration and continued growth.