Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente presented the World Cup trophy to the Virgin of the Pillar in Zaragoza on October 19. The ceremony, led by De la Fuente and the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, drew hundreds of people inside and outside the cathedral-basilica.

The RFEF delegation first visited Zaragoza City Hall, where they were welcomed by Mayor Natalia Chueca, before proceeding to the religious site. There, the Archbishop of Zaragoza, Carlos Escribano, and the dean of the metropolitan chapter, Juan Sebastián Teruel, presided over the event. Three months after the world title win, the trophy was placed at the feet of the Patroness of the Hispanic World.

"It is a tremendously moving experience," said Luis de la Fuente. "You all know of my devotion to the Virgin of the Pillar, and I feel very happy and proud to be here with all of you." Rafael Louzán added: "Today we come to your feet, on behalf of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, to offer you this World Cup with gratitude, with humility, and with emotion."

Tour of future stadium

The day also included a tour of the construction site for the new La Romareda stadium, which is being prepared as a host venue for the 2030 World Cup. The president of the Aragonese Football Federation, Manuel Torralba, and the president of the Aragon regional government, Jorge Azcón, accompanied the group. The new facility is expected to have a capacity of over 40,000 spectators.

The gesture in Zaragoza comes at a time of strong form for the Spanish national team. The side is on a four-game winning streak, most recently a 1-2 victory over Croatia on October 6 featuring a brace from Mikel Merino. Prior to that, they beat the Czech Republic (3-1) and Croatia (4-1), and secured a key win at Wembley against England (2-3).

This positive momentum is reflected in the Nations League standings, where Spain leads its group with a perfect record. The next fixture is a 2030 World Cup qualifier away to the Czech Republic on November 12. Forward Mikel Oyarzabal, with five goals in eight appearances, is the team's top scorer this season.

The offering of the trophy symbolically closes the World Cup cycle and projects the team towards new objectives, with focus now on next month's international fixture.

The original report is at ewtnnews.com