Spain finds 2010 World Cup spirit in quest for second title

By Sanjay Menon — 15 July 2026 — 3 min read

Spain has reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a 2-0 victory over France in Dallas, with coach Luis de la Fuente noting the squad has recaptured the spirit of their 2010 triumph. This marks only their second appearance in a World Cup final.

De la Fuente highlighted the unity, humility, and collective mindset within his squad, drawing parallels to the team that secured their first World Cup title 16 years ago in South Africa. He expressed satisfaction not only with the on-field performance but also with the team culture developed behind the scenes.

Echoes of 2010 and an Evolved Approach

The current Spain squad’s journey in the tournament has shown striking similarities to their 2010 campaign. Both teams entered their respective World Cups following a European Championship win and were considered top contenders. In both tournaments, Spain experienced an early setback; in 2010, they lost 1-0 to Switzerland in their opening match, while in 2026, they began with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

Despite initial challenges, both iterations of La Roja steadily progressed through the competition, often securing victories by a single goal on their way to the semifinals. The 2010 team’s path included narrow wins in the knockout stages, with late goals proving decisive. This year, Spain also relied on late interventions, with Mikel Merino scoring in the 91st minute against Portugal and the 88th minute against Belgium in earlier knockout rounds.

While the 2010 team was known for its dominant possession-based ‘tiki-taka’ style, the current squad has evolved. The 2024 Euros saw Spain adopt a more dynamic, winger-based approach, featuring stars like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. However, heading into this World Cup, both players were recovering from injuries.

Initially, de la Fuente attempted to maintain the Euro 2024 style without his key wingers, leading to difficulties in the opening match against Cape Verde. He then adjusted, returning to a midfield-centric approach reminiscent of Spain‘s traditional strengths, while incorporating his own tactical elements. This blend has been described as ‘tiki-taka with a little bit of magic down the wings.’

Key Performances and Team Mentality

In the semifinal against France, Spain‘s midfield was instrumental, dominating possession and creating numerous problems for their opponents. Rodri was particularly influential, orchestrating play and connecting the defense with the attack. Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo also delivered strong performances in the midfield. The defense, featuring players like Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Pedro Porro, and goalkeeper Unai Simón, remained solid throughout the match.

Despite an up-and-down performance, Lamine Yamal showcased flashes of his talent, including a play that led to a penalty, putting Spain ahead. Nico Williams also made a promising appearance late in the game after coming on in the 83rd minute. De la Fuente emphasized the collective mentality of the squad, stating that every member is committed to a shared vision rather than individual glory.

Spain‘s tactical approach against France effectively neutralized their opponent’s attack, which had scored 16 goals prior to the semifinal. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise were largely contained, with France failing to register a shot on target until after the 80th minute.

The team’s success has led to an impressive 37-match unbeaten run, equaling Italy‘s international record. De la Fuente believes there is still significant room for improvement, viewing the team’s journey as a continuous process of growth.

With one more victory, Spain could secure their second FIFA World Cup title, adding to their UEFA Euro 2024 crown. The final will be played on Sunday in New York/New Jersey.

Source: cnn.com