Spain coach Luis de la Fuente (far left) celebrates winning the World Cup with his team, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
There is an “i” in the Spanish word for “team” — equipo — but Spain certainly didn’t exhibit a self-centered style of play on Sunday — or all tournament long — on their way to winning the World Cup for the second time in the nation’s history. And just like their first World Cup title in 2010, the Spaniards needed an extra-time goal to break a scoreless tie, secure the victory, and begin the celebration on the streets of Spain.
On Sunday, that goal came from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions who had been defending valiantly all day, were down to only 10 men after a red card, and finally, the Argentinians broke.
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“Proud of this generation of footballers that have been growing on this idea — loyal to the idea — of giving our best, being an example of a team, a family, of being great footballers with extraordinary potential and talent,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who at 65 years old became the oldest coach to win a World Cup, said in Spanish on the field after the game. “Especially I feel proud, because truthfully, being able to accompany them on this journey, for me, it’s an honor.”
Spain’s World Cup started inauspiciously enough, with a 0-0 tie against Cape Verde. But La Roja gained momentum with wins over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to win Group H. They then calmly took out Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and pre-tournament-favorite France to advance to the final.
Some of the best soccer players in the world were on Spain’s roster during this World Cup, but what defined La Roja’s trek to the title was the remarkable team-first mentality they displayed throughout their eight games. They only conceded one goal all tournament long (against Belgium) while eight different Spaniards recorded at least one goal. When asked about his game-winner in the final, Torres’ comment exemplified that mentality.
“It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” he said, via Reuters. “It wasn’t even mine or from the 26 players.”
Playing as one organized unit is central to de la Fuente’s coaching philosophy and a distinct feature of his approach to international competition since being named Spain’s national team coach in December 2022. He is credited with enhancing the “tiki-taka” playing style of Spain’s national team, a style characterized by rapid passing and player movement requiring everyone to be in unison.
“I’m so proud of this generation of footballers who have grown up with this philosophy, remained true to it, made it even better, and set an example as a team and a family,” de la Fuente told reporters Sunday via Reuters. “They’re excellent, world-class footballers with exceptional talent.”
De la Fuente led Spain to the Euro 2024 title, and his teams haven’t lost in 38 games across all competitions, a record for any team from Europe or South America.
“In the past, people were surprised about footballers being talented and skilled and being good people,” he said Sunday. “We are the most united team, and that is thanks to having people with solidarity, values.”
One of de la Fuente’s values is his Christian faith. When asked before Spain’s semifinal tilt against France about any pregame routines he had, de la Fuente talked about prayer.
“I pray every day, but not because I’m at the World Cup or trying to get a result,” he told reporters, via News Nation. “… I think it would be unfair to ask God to help me and not help my rival. I ask for other things, good health especially. And that He gives me the opportunity to continue fighting.”
Another common refrain in de la Fuente’s prayers is gratitude.
“Every day when I get up, I thank God that I’m well,” he said. “I look at myself and I say, ‘Another day that I can enjoy life.'”
De la Fuente’s mentions of faith often have an apologetic flair to them. In an interview with El Mundo in October 2023, he admitted that he at one time had drifted from the Christian faith of his youth because he was beset by doubts. But, God led him back to Himself.
“I decided to draw closer to [faith] again and rely on God for everything I do,” he said. “There are not just one, but a thousand reasons to believe in God. Without God, nothing in life makes sense.”
Furthermore, before beating England to win the Euro 2024 final, de la Fuente was asked about his faith in the face of such high-stakes competitions.
“I am free and I can choose what I have to do, and both my experience and my intelligence invite me to believe in God,” he answered, via Evangelical Focus. “God gives me security and strength. … If I pray today and tomorrow, it’s because I’ve been doing it for a long time.”
Today, as de la Fuente closes his eyes and bows his head in prayer, he will be doing so as a World Cup champion.
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