In a surprising turn of events just hours before the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 final, Spain’s formidable left-back Marc Cucurella has declared his intention to retire from international football if his nation secures the coveted trophy against Argentina.
The 27-year-old Real Madrid star made the revelation, stating that winning both the UEFA European Championship and the World Cup would leave him with nothing more to achieve on the international stage .
Marc Cucurella Vows To End International Career If ..
‘If Spain win the World Cup, I’ll call Luis de la Fuente the next day and retire from the national team,’ Cucurella was quoted as saying. ‘With the Euro and World Cup trophies, you can’t ask for more.’ He also light-heartedly suggested he might get a tattoo of Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, if they emerge victorious.
A Meteoric Rise and Unprecedented Pledge
Born on July 22, 1998, Marc Cucurella Saseta has established himself as one of the world’s premier left-backs, currently plying his trade with La Liga giants Real Madrid, whom he joined in 2026. His international career has been marked by significant success, including a pivotal role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. Throughout the current FIFA World Cup campaign, Cucurella has been an indispensable asset, playing every minute of Spain’s seven matches leading up to the final. His exceptional defensive performances have been crucial to a Spanish side that has conceded a mere single goal in the entire tournament.
The Road to the Final
Spain’s journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final has been impressive. Under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, La Roja navigated a challenging path, showcasing their defensive solidity and attacking prowess. Their semi-final clash saw them overcome a strong France side with a convincing 2-0 victory.
Their form in the tournament prior to the final includes notable victories and a single draw:
Spain 2 – 1 Belgium
Portugal 0 – 1 Spain
Spain 3 – 0 Austria
Uruguay 0 – 1 Spain
Spain 4 – 0 Saudi Arabia
Spain 0 – 0 Cabo Verde
France 0 – 2 Spain (Semi-final)
The Grand Finale: Spain vs Argentina
The ultimate showdown will pit Spain against footballing powerhouse Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM UTC (3:00 PM ET) at the MetLife Stadium (officially known as New York New Jersey Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.
For fans in the United States, all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the final, are being broadcast live across FOX and FS1. Streaming access is also available live and on-demand through both the FOX One and FOX Sports apps.
Cucurella’s bold statement adds another layer of intrigue to what is already set to be a historic final. Whether Spain can deliver the trophy and, in turn, prompt the promising defender’s international farewell, remains to be seen in tomorrow’s colossal clash.