Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente believes his history-making squad have no intention of slowing down after conquering world football, revealing that his players were already asking what they could win next moments after lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
La Roja secured their second World Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium).
Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal to cap another memorable chapter in Spain’s remarkable rise under De la Fuente.
The triumph completed an extraordinary run for the European champions, who added the World Cup crown to the UEFA Euro 2024 title while extending their unbeaten streak to a world-record 38 matches.
Rather than bask in the glory of their latest achievement, De la Fuente revealed that the mentality inside the dressing room remains firmly fixed on future success.
“Once we finished the game, I had a group of footballers who said: ‘Coach, what else is there to win, we have won everything, in every category?’
“We came to the conclusion that what remains is the next match in September [against England at Wembley] because this team is relentless.
“We are already thinking about September. This is a historic achievement, but our objective is always to go one game at a time.”
Those comments perfectly capture the winning culture Spain have built over the past several years.
Since De la Fuente took charge, the national team has steadily evolved into one of the most complete sides in world football, combining technical excellence, tactical discipline and collective spirit.
Spain’s journey to the World Cup title showcased those qualities repeatedly.
After surviving an early setback in the group stage, they grew stronger with every knockout fixture before overcoming France in the semi-finals and eventually dethroning reigning champions Argentina in the final.
Perhaps even more impressive was the fact that Spain lifted football’s biggest prize without depending entirely on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Instead, different players stepped forward throughout the tournament, with Ferran Torres delivering the decisive contribution when it mattered most.
For De la Fuente, that collective strength remains the greatest asset of his squad.
“We have a wonderful national team with exceptional players,” he said. “We are feeling immense satisfaction and pride — it is such an honour to be the coach of these amazing players.
“But we are a united team, people with solidarity and values, who put the common good over the individual. That’s what makes our job much so much easier.
“We are talking about good people with a good attitude. That is quite normal for me.”
The final itself reflected Spain’s maturity. They controlled large spells of possession against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, remained composed despite stubborn resistance from the defending champions and eventually found the breakthrough in extra time.
Although the contest was overshadowed by Argentina’s late indiscipline, including Enzo Fernandez’s red card and a post-match confrontation involving Leandro Paredes, Spain maintained their focus to complete another famous victory.
For De la Fuente, however, lifting the World Cup is not the finish line. His message is clear: champions are defined not by what they have won, but by their determination to keep winning.
With a World Cup, European Championship and Nations League now sitting in Spain’s trophy cabinet, La Roja have firmly established themselves as the dominant force in international football.
Yet if their manager’s words are anything to go by, the hunger that drove them to the summit remains stronger than ever.
Spain may now stand on top of the footballing world, but under Luis de la Fuente, the next objective has already begun.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
