Spain Chases Second Star 16 Years After World Cup Glory

Sixteen years after their greatest triumph, Spain has returned to the tournament that matters most.

Rabat – Spain is one win away from ending a 16-year wait for another FIFA World Cup title after defeating France 2-0 to book its place in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New York.

The victory also marked only the second time La Roja has reached the tournament’s final, with their first appearance in 2010 when they won the title.

Spain’s only previous World Cup final was in South Africa, where the midfielder Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal secured a historic 1-0 victory over the Netherlands and gave the nation’s first world title.

Instead of becoming a strong contender in the latter editions of the tournament, La Roja struggled to repeat that success, exiting in the group stage in 2014 before suffering Round of 16 eliminations in 2018 and 2022, the latter at the hands of Morocco.

Now, a young new generation has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Spain’s 2010 heroes.

Led by stars including Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Pau Cubarsí, La Roja has discovered, alongside their head coach Luis de la Fuente, the formula that has put the team within touching distance of becoming world champions.

Spain will face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s final, depending on the outcome of today’s semifinal clash.

If England win, the World Cup final will also revive the UEFA Euro 2024 final, where Spain defeated the Three Lions 2-1 to lift a record fourth European Championship.

An Argentine victory, meanwhile, would set up a blockbuster meeting between Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal and their ex-legend Leo Messi.

One last opponent remains. Whether it is England seeking revenge for Euro 2024 or Argentina chasing another world title, Spain knows it stands one victory away from reclaiming football’s biggest prize.