FIFA World Cup 2026: 2010-winning coach Del Bosque backs Spain but warns them to "be wary of Argentina"
New York, July 18
Former Spain coach Vicente del Bosque believes Spain will have the edge in the FIFA World Cup final but warned that Argentina's resilience, experience, and tactical discipline make them a difficult opponent.
He praised Spain's performances throughout the tournament, highlighting their control, confidence, and ability to dictate the pace of matches.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time).
Del Bosque guided Spain to their first-ever FIFA World Cup triumph in 2010, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final in South Africa.
"Argentina are a tough team to play against, a real nuisance, if I may use the word, and they know exactly what they need to do," del Bosque told the El Pais newspaper in an interview published on Saturday, as per Reuters.
"I see the final as favouring Spain, but they need to be wary of the Argentines, given how difficult they are to face and their experience. In the matches we have watched, the game was played exactly on the national team's terms; they dominated the situation and demonstrated both assurance and confidence," he added.
Spain have justified that faith with an impressive run to the final, recovering from their opening draw with Cape Verde to win six consecutive matches. La Roja have conceded just one goal in the tournament and arrive in the final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals.
Spain head into the final aiming to secure their second FIFA World Cup title, 16 years after their historic triumph in 2010, while Argentina are bidding to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully retain the trophy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Watching Spain's defense is like watching a perfectly choreographed dance—they've conceded only one goal in the entire tournament! That's unreal. But Argentina have Messi's magic and that incredible team cohesion from their 2022 win. Tough call. As an Indian fan, I just hope it's a clean, exciting match with no controversies 🙏
Del Bosque is a legend, no doubt. But I'm not fully convinced Spain have faced a team with Argentina's grit yet. Their comeback against the Netherlands in the semis showed real character. Spain's control is impressive, but sometimes you need that never-say-die attitude. My money's on Argentina to retain the trophy 🏆
Fair analysis from del Bosque, but I wish he'd acknowledged Spain's luck too. They struggled against Cape Verde in the group stage and got a bit fortunate against Portugal in the quarters. Argentina have been tested more severely. Still, Spain's midfield control is world-class. Either way, it's going to be a tactical masterclass. Let's hope the ref doesn't spoil it! ⚽
"Be wary of Argentina" is the understatement of the century! 😄 They're the defending champions, have Messi, and played the most intense semi I've seen. Spain's confidence is well-earned, but Argentina's experience in big games could be the difference. I'm just happy football is bringing the world together—wish we had more global events like this!
Del Bosque's words show he's a
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