'Again' Euro and World Cup back-to-back titles: Spain's 'Invincible Fleet' makes a dazzling return

*This content was translated by AI.

The Spanish national football team has stood atop the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup. This marks their second consecutive major tournament title, following their UEFA European Championship (Euro) victory two years ago.

Led by Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish national team defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final held on the 20th (Korean time) at New Jersey Stadium in New York, USA, after a tense extra-time match. The decisive goal came from Ferran Torres of Barcelona in the first minute of extra time. FIFA rankings place Spain second and Argentina first.

While it may appear as a narrow victory secured only through extra time, the match was actually an overwhelming performance by Spain. On this day, Spain dominated with 65% ball possession and held a staggering 20-2 advantage in shots. Although they were unable to break the deadlock early due to strong saves from the opposing goalkeeper, leading to extra time, they displayed an utterly dominant performance by allowing just one shot on target over the entire 116 minutes, including the 90th minutes of regular play.

With this victory, Spain has achieved its second World Cup title in history and its first since the 2010 FIFA South Africa World Cup, 16 years later. After suffering setbacks following their South Africa triumph—including elimination in the group stage and back-to-back exits in the Round of 16—Spain has once again reclaimed its position at the pinnacle of world football after 16 years.

The path to the summit was also impressive. Although they drew with Cape Verde in the opening group stage match, denting their pride, Spain quickly defeated Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to finish top of Group H and advance to the Round of 32. In the tournament knockout stages, they sequentially overcame Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and France to reach the final, then went on to defeat defending champions Argentina to claim the title. Conceding only one goal across eight matches sets a new record for fewest goals allowed in a single tournament.

Spain's World Cup victory this year is particularly significant as it extends their Euro 2024 triumph two years ago. It served as a stage confirming the dazzling return of Spanish football, which once dominated both Europe and the world through consecutive major tournament titles. Spain had previously achieved three consecutive major tournament wins with Euro 2008, the 2010 South Africa World Cup, and Euro 2012; this time, they have once again secured back-to-back major tournament victories.

In fact, at Euro 2024 last year, Spain defeated Italy, Germany, France, England, and others to reclaim the tournament title for the first time in 12 years. The core members who led Spain to victory at Euro 2024 have since grown into key players for the World Cup squad, and their organizational cohesion directly contributed to this overwhelming World Cup triumph. Even after finishing poorly in three tournaments following the 2010 South Africa World Cup—two Round of 16 exits and one group stage elimination—they were still considered the strongest favorites to win, precisely because of these reasons.

Throughout this World Cup, Spain's organizational strength was flawless, leading to a rock-solid defensive record of conceding only one goal in eight matches. Beyond their signature high ball possession used to exploit gaps in opponents' defenses, they secured victories by disrupting opposing defenses through intense pressing and rapid transitions from defense to attack. In the final, they even overwhelmed Argentina, which had been held together by Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), to lift the World Cup trophy.

What makes Spanish football even more formidable is that, in addition to teenage talents like Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal (both born in 2007) who were named Young Player of the Tournament this year, there are also numerous players in their early twenties such as Gavi, Pedri (both Barcelona), and Nico Williams (Athletic Club). Moreover, many players are still approaching their prime years. With a history of back-to-back major tournament titles, it is highly likely that these core players will continue to form the backbone of the Spanish national team for the foreseeable future. The era of Spanish football dominance may well continue for some time.

Immediately after winning the title, Coach De la Fuente stated through FIFA: "I am particularly proud that this generation of players has grown alongside our football philosophy and further developed it, demonstrating what it means to be a team and a family." He added, "Our players are special talents. It is a great honor for me to have shared this journey with them. Reflecting on the past period, I feel a renewed sense of emotion. Our players are a generation that makes Spain proud. We are stronger when we stand together."

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*This content was translated by AI.