Spain stars are word-class, excellent, says De la Fuente after World Cup triumph
Spain coach Luis De La Fuente has showered encomiums on his players following their dominant win over Argentina to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Spanish team wrapped up the tournament with an impressive performance to pip the defending champions 1-0 courtesy of an extra time winner from Ferran Torres.
De la Fuente became the oldest coach to win the tournament at 65, and the team are now on a 38-match unbeaten run.
He revealed that he was proud of the team’s performance in the tournament.
De la Fuente said: “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 – they’re excellent, world-class footballers with exceptional talent.
“I’m very moved. Looking back and thinking about them, we’ve won everything, absolutely everything, with this generation of players.”
De la Fuente said Martinez’s save prevented Spain from sealing the win in regulation time.
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He concluded: “I think the game should have been decided earlier. Dibu’s great saves prevented us from winning sooner, but it is a World Cup final and, even with ten players at the end, you have to suffer,”
Similarly, matchwinner Ferran Torres was delighted to be the hero for his country while also reflecting on his poor start to the tournament against Cabo Verde, where he missed a glorious chance as the game ended goalless.
He said: “It was a goal scored by 47 million people – it wasn’t even mine or from the 26 players’. It was destined to happen; it was meant to be a winner.
“Whilst all finals are tough, when you’re up against (Argentina’s Lionel) Messi, you do get a bit nervous. We played better football. I’ve been heavily criticised throughout the World Cup. Thank God, who always gives me the strength to carry on. God gives things to those who deserve them most.”
De la Fuente was appointed as Spain’s coach in December 2022, and he has led the team to win Euro 2004 and the 2026 World Cup.
He was a left-back for Athletic Bilbao in the 1980s and 90s, winning two LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey with the Basque team.
Luis De La Fuente also played for Sevilla and Alaves before starting his coaching career.
