Spain's World Cup win prompts Cucurella tattoo pledge

Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title on July 19, 2026, defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in a tense, extra-time final at MetLife Stadium. Coach Luis de la Fuente, speaking afterward, lightheartedly reminded defender Marc Cucurella that he expects the player to follow through on a pre-match promise: to get a tattoo of the coach's face.

The match’s decisive moment came in the 106th minute, when Ferran Torres scored for Spain. The goal followed a period of Spanish pressure after Argentina was reduced to ten men in stoppage time of regulation when midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card. The European champions controlled much of the possession throughout a cautious game, but were repeatedly denied by Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez until the breakthrough in extra time.

De la Fuente, 65, was in a celebratory mood following the victory, which adds the World Cup to the UEFA Euro 2024 title he also won with Spain. Asked about the tattoo pledge, the coach noted his players are men of their word. He joked that while he is "not that ugly," Cucurella should perhaps choose a discreet location for the ink. The defender, who plays for Real...