La Roja claim their second World Cup. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente visited the Teledeporte studio on Thursday with the trophy freshly won at the 2026 World Cup, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 on July 19. The joy of the La Rioja-born coach isn't just about the title, but seeing the country united, a feeling he called "a great pride".

What did De la Fuente say about the title?

The manager admitted he's still taking in the scale of the achievement: "I still need more days to understand it". He highlighted the value of unity, a theme he called "the leitmotiv of the squad". "We feel like one big family. We spent 52 days in Las Rozas without a single issue, something that goes far beyond the professional", he explained. He also recalled the tough stages before the final, where the road was full of hurdles.

On the dressing-room atmosphere, De la Fuente stressed the word "family" as key. "We feel it for real. That's something that goes way beyond the sporting side", he added. The coach also named three key figures in this cycle: Rodri, Lamine Yamal and Marc Cucurella.

Rodri, Yamal and Cucurella: De la Fuente's picks

Captain and tournament MVP Rodrigo Hernández received strong backing. "Doubting Rodri at the start was an insult to footballing intelligence. He's the best in the world in his position", he said. On Lamine Yamal, the coach highlighted his growth: "This World Cup taught him that extreme team sacrifice. At 19, he's already fantastic, but this will make him even bigger".

Marc Cucurella rounded out the trio with a quirky note: he promised to tattoo the manager's face. "I told him he's crazy, but promises are meant to be kept", De la Fuente joked.

Post-title controversies: the unacceptable

The coach didn't shy away from the post-final clashes involving Argentina players. "I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that standing. That said, our players kept their composure like true sportsmen", he stressed. He praised the Spanish side's exemplary conduct amid the provocations, a point he also highlighted in the interview.

Spain closed the 2026 World Cup on a five-game winning streak, a record that cements their status as favorites for the next Euros. The manager wrapped up his TVE visit with a clear message: "Seeing people happy is what fills me most".

La Roja add a second World Cup, a title sealed after a tough group stage and a path full of twists to the final. De la Fuente's side showed solidity, leadership and, above all, a spirit that goes beyond the sporting.