I Feel So Much Pride, Says Spanish Coach Luis De la Fuente

Evaluating the victory after the final at MetLife Stadium, De la Fuente said that he was proud to be a part of this journey with a generation of players who continue to develop by adhering to football philosophies. “I am very proud of this generation of footballers who continue to improve, who always remain true to our idea of ​​​​football. They are great footballers with extraordinary talents. But above all, I am proud to accompany them on this journey, for me it is an honour,” De la Fuente said, as quoted by The Athletic. he said.

An emotional De la Fuente praised the unity within the team and described the players as role models for Spanish sport and society. “I don’t want to cry, it doesn’t look good, but looking back I’m very emotional. We talked a lot with the players, we gave everything and it’s great. These players gave us a group, a team, a family, role models for Spanish sport, an example of Spanish youth and Spain. We are stronger together, no one can doubt that,” he added.

The Spain coach admitted his side could have concluded the contest sooner but acknowledged the challenge posed by a resilient Argentina side even after the defending champions were reduced to 10 men following the sacking of Enzo Fernandez. “The fate of the match could have been decided much earlier… But this is a World Cup final and even against 10 you have to suffer. But we like to suffer, we showed that we are ready for anything,” he said, as quoted by The Athletic.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente led La Roja to the 2026 FIFA World Cup title and became the oldest coach to win the tournament, while his team also broke the record for the fewest goals conceded during a successful World Cup campaign, according to Guinness World Records’ X handle.

Guinness World Records confirmed in X that De la Fuente is now the oldest manager to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy. The world records body also noted that Spain conceded just one goal during the winning campaign, the fewest goals ever conceded by a FIFA World Cup-winning team.

Spain won its second World Cup title by beating reigning champion Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium. Substitute Ferran Torres secured the title by scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

Under De la Fuente, Spain completed a remarkable campaign built on defensive solidity and disciplined performances, conceding just once in eight games on their way to claiming football’s biggest prize.

The victory also enabled Spain to add the FIFA World Cup crown to their UEFA Euro 2024 title, marking another major achievement under De la Fuente’s leadership.