Fuentes
Cordoba · Segunda División · Attacker · #18 · Spain · 29 yrs
Fuentes news
De la Fuente’s World Cup winners ‘an example for Spanish sport’
Luis de la Fuente has replicated the achievements of Vicente del Bosque by leading Spain to glory at both the Euros and the World Cup. The post De la Fuente’s World Cup winners ‘an example for Spanish sport’ appeared first on SoccerNews.
Ferran Torres leads Spain past Lionel Messi’s Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup
In a match they completely dominated, Spain defeated Argentina to be crowned the 2026 World Cup champions. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal, bringing the game—which they completely dominated—full circle. Spain face Argentina in what promises to be a historic 2026 World Cup final. Not only is it the meeting between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, but it also features the two teams playing the best soccer style in the tournament. While Luis de la Fuente’s team stands out in midfield and defense, Lionel Scaloni’s team excels in attack, having plenty of weapons to shine. With this in mind, the match is expected to be highly competitive. Amid their defensive problems, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has managed to build a very impressive team. To do so, the midfield has been essential, applying constant pressure throughout the game, suffocating their opponents and preventing dangerous counterattacks. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, as he has been the most influential player of the entire 2026 World Cup and could shine in the goalscoring department. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has built the most consistent team in the tournament. Unlike the others, Spain have been built from the back forward, basing their structure around Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, and Pau Cubarsí. In addition, Marc Cucurella has emerged as an essential part of the team, excelling with his runs down the flank. However, Lamine Yamal is the one carrying the pressure on his shoulders, as expectations are on him to lead Spain to victory.
Why isn’t Pedri starting for Spain against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final?
Spain face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, and Pedri will begin the match on the bench. Spain are one win away from their second World Cup title as they face Argentina, and Luis de la Fuente is sticking with the same midfield blueprint that carried the team past France in the semifinals, meaning Pedri will once again begin the game on the bench. De la Fuente has settled on Fabian Ruiz alongside Rodri in a double pivot, a pairing that has given Spain more control and physical presence through the middle of the park in the tournament’s biggest matches. Ahead of that duo, De la Fuente has built his attack around Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena operating behind Mikel Oyarzabal, who leads the team in scoring with five goals. The setup underlines just how deep De la Fuente’s midfield options have become. Even a player of Pedri‘s caliber, one the coach has repeatedly praised as among the best in the world, cannot force his way back into a starting role that has been working for Spain when it matters most. Pedri during Spain’s game vs Portugal. (Getty Images) How Pedri’s role faded as the tournament progressed Pedri was a fixture in Spain’s starting lineup for the first five matches of the World Cup, anchoring the midfield through the group stage and into the knockout rounds. That run included the Round of 16 win over Portugal, a game Spain needed a stoppage-time Mikel Merino goal to escape after struggling to create clear chances, with Pedri’s performance among those that failed to stand out. That flat display opened the door for Fabian Ruiz, who took his opportunity in the quarterfinal against Belgium, scoring the opener in a 2-1 win that sent Spain into the semifinals. Ruiz kept his place for the last four against France, starting once again as Spain booked their spot in the final, and Pedri has yet to reclaim the role he held for most of the tournament.
What is Argentina’s current FIFA ranking ahead of the 2026 World Cup final vs Spain?
Despite surrounding doubts their candidacy, Argentina came from behind against England to reach their second consecutive World Cup final. Following that result, they have regained a privileged position in the FIFA Men's World Ranking ahead of their clash with Spain. Despite their evident defensive problems, Argentina came from behind against England to reach their second consecutive World Cup final. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has managed to build a team that shines in build-up play and attacking production. Following that, they have managed to remain one of the most competitive teams in the world. Ahead of their match against Spain, they have regained a privileged position in the FIFA ranking. According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Argentina are ranked 1st, with 1,970.37 points. With their latest victory, they reclaim the top spot that was previously held either by Spain or France. Having a shinning offense, they emerge as top contenders for back-to-back World Cup championships. Unlike many other national teams, they have remained among the best for four years. While Luis de la Fuente’s team have increased their competitiveness, Argentina still remain in a stronger position than their rivals. Spain hold 2nd place in the ranking, with 1,965.61 points. Not only does their versatile attack stand out, but so does their solid defense. Unlike many of their rivals, they are highly competitive, making them an extremely difficult team to beat. Moreover, Lamine Yamal is expected to be the difference-maker. Amid their evident defensive problems, head coach Lionel Scaloni has managed to make his team competitive. Thanks to their strong midfield, they recover the ball with ease and prevent opposition counterattacks. In addition, they could once again rely heavily on Lionel Messi, who could arrive motivated to score or provide assists, something that proved decisive against England and could happen again against Spain. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after the 2-1 win against England. Lionel Messi could lead Argentina’s scoring in the World Cup final Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has led Argentina’s goalscoring. After scoring eight goals, he has established as one of the best players of the tournament. Despite arriving in outstanding form, he has now gone two consecutive matches without scoring. With what could be his final World Cup final, the 39-year-old star could arrive highly motivated to end his goal drought and fight to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. Taking advantage of the spaces left by Marc Cucurella, Messi could launch counterattacks into space and cut inside, something he has been doing throughout his career. In addition, his powerful long-range shot makes him a difference-maker when it comes to breaking down the opposition defense. Following Kylian Mbappé’s brace, he needs to score at least two goals to draw level with him in the race to become the tournament’s top scorer.
World Cup final data pointers: Spain’s defensive record and Argentina’s attack
The reigning champions may need to continue outperforming their xG to overcome Spain’s superb defensive recordThe World Cup final will feature the champions of South America and Europe for the first time. Argentina and Spain sit first and second in Fifa’s world ranking of men’s international teams. Opta’s supercomputer rated Luis de la Fuente’s side as favourites to win the tournament, with their opponents on Sunday deemed fourth likeliest.Both systems had England and France in their top four, suggesting the semi-finals featured the correct teams. But do the statistics from the World Cup indicate we have the best pair for the final? Continue reading...
Barcelona legend questions Luis de la Fuente’s Pedri decision ahead of World Cup final: ‘It surprises me’
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has admitted he did not expect Pedri to lose his place in Spain’s starting XI during the World Cup, although he insists Luis de la Fuente has earned the right to make...
2026 World Cup Final Predictions: Rabona TV’s Ultimate Championship Forecast
Watch Rabona TV's official 2026 World Cup Final predictions video. Get expert tactical analysis, score projections, and insights for Spain vs Argentina at MetLife Stadium. The grandest stage in sports has filtered out 46 nations, leaving only two absolute titans standing on the edge of historical immortality. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is officially set, locking in a box-office, cross-continental showdown between Spain and the reigning champions, Argentina. To untangle the tactics, historical weights, and generation-defining matchups, Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV has delivered an in-depth preview and prediction video mapping out who will lift the golden trophy, where the tactical fractures lie, and what to expect from a dream finale. Scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM local time (EST) at MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium), this final presents a beautiful clash of philosophies and eras. To jump directly to specific analysis within the breakdown, use the official video chapters outlined below: Video Chapter Navigation Guide 00:00 – Welcome: Setting the baseline atmosphere, stakes, and narrative significance of the final roster. 00:24 – France vs. England: Reflecting on the parallel brackets and the structural lessons left behind by the tournament’s semi-finalists. 02:30 – Spain vs. Argentina: The main event. Breaking down the ultimate “unstoppable force vs. immovable object” matrix, outlining score predictions, and crowning the 2026 World Cup Champion. Watch Rabona TV’s Official 2026 World Cup Final Predictions The Master Matrix: The Road to New York New Jersey Both powerhouses have forged completely contrasting, yet equally devastating paths to the ultimate showpiece. While Luis de la Fuente’s side has suffocated teams with tactical precision and positional dominance, Lionel Scaloni’s warriors have leaned heavily on late-game magic, emotional resilience, and tournament survival instincts. The table below tracks their competitive records and tournament blueprints leading into Sunday: Finalists Comparison & Tournament Metrics TeamStatus / FormGoals ConcededDefining Tactical PillarPrimary TalismanSpainUnbeaten / ImperiousBest in TournamentSuffocating Possession & Wing WidthLamine Yamal (19)ArgentinaReigning ChampionsBattle-TestedLate-game Ruthlessness & GritLionel Messi (39) Legend vs Heir: The Ultimate Storylines The overarching narrative of this final feels like it was written for Hollywood, binding together the past, present, and future of the sport. The Coronation of Lamine Yamal At just 19 years old, Spain’s dynamic winger is standing on the doorstep of a historic international double, chasing the World Cup trophy to pair with his Euro 2024 crown. If Spain’s intricate passing sequences can consistently isolate Yamal on the flank, it could turn MetLife Stadium into his official global coronation. The Last Dance of Lionel Messi On the other side of the dividing line stands 39-year-old Lionel Messi, operating in what is heavily anticipated to be his final World Cup match. Argentina is hunting down a feat no nation has pulled off since Pelé’s Brazil in 1962: defending the crown to win back-to-back World Cups. Messi has repeatedly dragged La Albiceleste out of severe structural scares with late, decisive strokes of genius, setting up a poetic duel against the very nation where he established his footballing legend.
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal share World Cup dribbling record ahead of Argentina vs Spain 2026 World Cup final
Following two thrilling semifinal matches, Argentina and Spain will face off in the 2026 World Cup final. Ahead of this match, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal share an exclusive dribbling record in the current edition of the tournament. After establishing as the best national teams at the 2026 World Cup, Argentina and Spain will face off in the final. While Lionel Scaloni’s team arrives in outstanding attacking form, Luis de la Fuente’s side has excelled collectively and boasts one of the strongest defenses. This will mark the historic first meeting between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, who share an exclusive dribbling record at the current edition of the World Cup. According to OptaJoe, via X (formerly Twitter), Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are the only two players to complete 20 or more dribbles at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine legend has completed 25 dribbles, while the Spanish youngster has completed 22. While they are close in this statistic, the 39-year-old’s performance is particularly remarkable, as he is no longer expected to be in his physical prime. Despite Lionel Messi already being a veteran player, he remains the cornerstone of Argentina. With the freedom to roam, he has been one of the standout players of the tournament. In addition, he serves as the team’s creative focal point. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, his clash with Lamine Yamal is expected to become one of the most memorable matchups in World Cup history. At just 19 years old, Lamine Yamal is already one of the best players in the world. However, he has not been at his best physically. Despite these issues, he remains Spain‘s key difference-maker and bringing out the best in his teammates. He now faces the greatest opportunity to elevate his legacy: Winning the 2026 World Cup by playing a decisive role against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The tournament’s two best dribblers are looking to take center stage. Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates scoring a goal. Messi has edge over Lamine before World Cup final Despite being the oldest player in the 2026 World Cup final, Lionel Messi arrives with a clear advantage for the clash against Spain. As the tournament’s top scorer with 8 goals, alongside Kylian Mbappé, he is competing to be MVP. He has also elevated his teammates, as he is the tournament’s second-highest assist provider. This stands in contrast to Lamine Yamal and his current form. Lamine Yamal came into the tournament after enjoying the best season of his career, but he has not shone at the 2026 World Cup. In the seven matches he has played, he has scored just one goal and has not provided a single assist. While his collective impact is undeniable, he could once again fall short in terms of end product, something that could reflect poorly on him. Therefore, he needs to step up and silence his critics.
In this star-powered World Cup, Spain show value of collective and control | Sid Lowe
Luis de la Fuente’s final-bound team have been fuelled by togetherness and a commitment to each other that goes back a long wayOn the way out of the dressing room in Arlington, Luis de la Fuente gathered his “family” and delivered one last message before the World Cup semi-final against France. He had long known what he was going to say, if not exactly how – it’s what he has been saying for 50 days and more. “I’ll tell them that this is a unique stage, the kind of moment that may never be repeated again, and that we have to be ourselves,” he had suggested 18 hours earlier; now that idea crystallised in a line. “We’re facing one of the best lineups in the world,” the Spain coach told them, “but we’re the best team in the world.”By the time they made their way back in again, a voice was heard above the shouts, another line to encapsulate it all, to define this. It belonged to Marc Cucurella and it said: “What a fucking recital!” A call came in to De la Fuente, King Felipe on the phone saying pretty much the same thing, if a little more politely. On went the music, Jamaican (Bam Bam) blasting out, pizza was passed around, and they bounced about. Some did, anyway. Some just sat there taking in what they had done. “It was written: we started in Atlanta and we end in New York,” Dani Olmo said, but a semi-final is not supposed to be like this. Continue reading...
Football Daily | Spain leave France at sixes and sevens as L’Équipe dish out the twos
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!For a second there, it felt as if this was going to be a rerun for France of the Human Rights World Cup final. Conceding a penalty at the end of the first quarter and looking lost for most of the game, Les Bleus would eventually click. Kylian Mbappé would lock into PlayStation mode, thundering down the left-hand side before cutting in to erase the two-goal deficit. It would be another game for the ages, going beyond normal time – but Luis de la Fuente’s lads weren’t keen on any drama. In reality, Spain put on a suffocating display of control, even if there was little between the two sides in terms of possession. France, the great entertainers of this Geopolitics World Cup, are off home … though not before a jaunt to Miami for the bronze medal game. Continue reading...
Who, when and where will Spain play in the 2026 World Cup final?
Spain defeated France and secured a place in the 2026 World Cup final, where they'll look to claim the second title in their history. The first finalist of the 2026 World Cup was decided at Dallas Stadium, after Spain claimed a strong 2-0 win over France to book their place at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19. Spain broke the deadlock through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty, taking his tournament tally to five goals, before Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the second half to put the result out of reach. The win sends Luis de la Fuente’s men into their second World Cup final in history, with the chance to lift a second title of their own, following their triumph back in the 2010 edition in South Africa. With that, Spain arrive at the final unbeaten, having conceded just one goal across the entire tournament, winning six matches and drawing only their group-stage opener against Cape Verde. 🏁 FINAL DEL PARTIDO EN DALLAS.¡¡𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗦 𝗘𝗡 𝗟𝗔 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗟!!🇫🇷 🆚 🇪🇸 | 0-2 | 45+7’#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/vUn77RtBou— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 14, 2026 Spain’s final opponent and venue Spain will now wait on the winner of England and Argentina, who meet in the tournament’s second semifinal on Wednesday, July 15, at Atlanta Stadium. The 2026 World Cup final is set for Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, where Spain will look to add a second star to their crest. For France, the loss brings an end to their bid for an unprecedented third straight World Cup final, a run that included the 2018 title and the heartbreaking penalty-shootout loss to Argentina in 2022.
Spain reach World Cup final after Oyarzabal and Porro sink sorry France
Let this be a lesson for everyone foolish enough to cast Spain as underdogs. How they enjoyed dishing it out here, reducing France to passengers and surely guaranteeing nobody will make the same mistake twice. They will be favourites to win Sunday’s final, whether that turns out to be a rerun against England or a time-bending meeting of Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, and those minded to back against Luis de la Fuente’s side will need a mightily compelling reason.France never came close to finding one. Kylian Mbappé had one last go in added time, shooting harmlessly over, and his forlorn expression upon glancing up to check the clock said more than enough. He knew the game was up but, in truth, that had barely been in question since midway through the first half. Spain smothered France but outplayed them too, picking their moments to penetrate and adding a beautifully worked goal from the rampaging Pedro Porro. Continue reading...