Inside Spain’s all-conquering journey to the World Cup final
By Luke Oluoch, July 19, 2026Ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, history beckons for the Spanish national team, which has firmly established itself as the most dominant force in modern international football.
This golden generation stands on the precipice of footballing immortality, aiming to complete a historic haul of international trophies when they face Argentina in the final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in New York
Nations League glory
In 2023, Spain announced the start of their next new era. A fresh crop of players took centre stage in the UEFA Nations League. Their ultimate test came in a clash against a dogged Croatian side in Rotterdam.
The final pushed La Roja to their absolute limits, demanding elite composure under immense pressure. After a tense, goalless draw through 120 minutes, Spain stood tall, squeezing past Croatia 5–4 on penalties to become the third unique champion in UEFA Nations League history.
More importantly, that victory ignited a relentless winning culture for a new core.
Mainstays like midfield maestro Rodri, the masterful Pedri, defensive anchor Aymeric Laporte, and penalty-hero goalkeeper Unai Simón forged an unbreakable bond—becoming the steel framework of a side seeking absolute global glory.
Conquering Europe
Spain already held the ultimate pedigree as the most successful nation in European Championship history with four titles.
However, their triumph at Euro 2024 cemented their status as a force to reckon with. Entering the tournament in Germany as a heavy favourite, De la Fuente’s men wasted no time asserting their might.
La Roja rewrote the history books in Berlin, defeating England 2–1 in a thrilling final to secure a perfect campaign, winning all seven matches in standard time. This was not just a championship win; it was a total tactical eclipse of the continent’s best teams.
Path to 2026 World Cup
Their qualification path to the 2026 World Cup stood as further testament to their terrifying efficiency. Spain utterly dominated UEFA Qualifying Group E, effortlessly topping the standings to secure a direct ticket to North America. Across eight qualifying matches, La Roja cruised with effortless authority, hammering home 21 goals while conceding a microscopic two.
The team had the blend of veteran wisdom of Euro 2024 heroes like Rodri, Dani Carvajal, and Nico Williams, as well as teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, who have been instrumental in the World Cup as the Europeans arrived with an unprecedented depth and pedigree. Following a tactical 2–0 masterclass against Kylian Mbappé’s France in the semifinals, Spain tied the all-time international record of 37 consecutive matches unbeaten.
De la Fuente on his team might
This remarkable journey has been the subject of immense pride for manager Luis de la Fuente. Reflecting on the profound growth of a squad he has coached since their youth days in 2015, the manager admitted that even he continues to be awed by their continuous evolution.
“We have an exceptional generation of players,” De la Fuente remarked. “This team never stops surprising me with what it’s capable of. I always say our potential for improvement is limitless, and the players prove it match after match. It’s all built on talent, hard work, effort, sacrifice, and the desire to keep improving.”
On Sunday, as the final whistle approaches, this extraordinary group of players has the chance to turn that limitless potential into the ultimate prize: the FIFA World Cup trophy.