De la Fuente: World Cup Glory Not Enough to Keep Spain Winning 2026

Luis de la Fuente, Spain's head coach, has made it clear that winning the World Cup is not enough to keep the team winning. In a candid revelation, he shared a story that underscores his relentless pursuit of success.

The Story Behind De la Fuente's Mindset

"I'm going to tell you a story," De la Fuente began. "As soon as the game finished on 19 July, before anyone had cooled down at all, just two or three minutes after the final, one of the players – and you'll have to forgive me for not telling you which one, but it was one of those who has been with us for the longest time – came up to me and said: 'Mister, now what? What's left to win?' And I said: 'Bloody hell, the game against England at Wembley on 26 September.'"

This anecdote, shared at Las Rozas, perfectly encapsulates De la Fuente's philosophy: there is always another challenge, another trophy to chase. For him, the World Cup is not the end but merely a milestone in a continuous journey.

Squad Continuity and Fresh Faces

De la Fuente named his first squad since that historic day in New Jersey, and it was a familiar one, full of history makers. Of the 26 from the World Cup, only four were left out, each for a specific reason: Marcos Llorente announced his international retirement; Joan García is injured; Borja Iglesias is not fully fit; and Gavi is suspended for the Wembley match. Fermín López returns after missing the World Cup through injury, joined by Josep Martínez, Dean Huijsen, and Roberto Fernández. Pedro Porro then pulled out, replaced by Iván Fresneda.

"How could there not be continuity with players who are champions of everything?" De la Fuente asked. It's a rhetorical question that highlights his belief in the core group that brought glory to Spain.

Key Takeaways from De la Fuente's Approach

• Relentless ambition: Celebrating past victories is not enough; the focus is always on the next challenge.
• Squad stability: Continuity with championship-winning players is crucial for sustained success.
• Adaptability: Despite a largely unchanged squad, new players are integrated when necessary.
• Clear objectives: Immediate focus is on the upcoming matches, starting with England at Wembley.

Comparing Spain's World Cup and Post-World Cup Squads

To better understand the changes, here's a comparison of the World Cup squad and the latest squad:

What's Next for Spain?

Spain's immediate future includes crucial matches against England at Wembley on 26 September, followed by encounters with Croatia and Czechia. De la Fuente's message is clear: the World Cup win is in the past, and the team must now focus on the challenges ahead. The coach's unwavering demand for excellence ensures that Spain remains a formidable force in international football.

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