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Rabat – When Argentina and Spain meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, the spotlight will not only be on the players. A remarkable coaching story will also unfold on the sidelines as Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni comes up against his former coaching instructor, Spain’s Luis de la Fuente.
The two managers share a similar journey. Both took charge of their national teams despite doubts over their experience, only to silence critics by restoring their countries to the top of world football.
Scaloni, 48, spent nearly a decade playing in Spain with Deportivo La Coruña, Racing Santander and Mallorca, where he still lives with his Spanish wife and children. While earning his coaching qualifications in 2017, one of his instructors was none other than De la Fuente.
Speaking after Argentina’s 2-1 semifinal victory over England, Scaloni recalled their relationship with affection.
“Besides being my teacher during my coaching education, I always had a special relationship with Luis. I truly appreciate his personality and the way he treats people. Fate has brought us together in the World Cup final.”
The story behind
Scaloni arrived as Argentina head coach in 2018 with almost no experience as a senior manager, prompting heavy criticism. Even late football legend Diego Maradona questioned the appointment, famously saying the young coach “couldn’t even direct traffic.”
Since then, Scaloni has transformed Argentina into one of the world’s dominant teams, leading La Albiceleste to the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
De la Fuente experienced a similar path. Although largely unknown to the wider public when he replaced Luis Enrique after the 2022 World Cup, the Spanish Football Federation trusted the coach who had spent years developing the country’s youth teams.
Before taking charge of the senior national team, De la Fuente guided Spain’s Under-19 side to the 2015 European Championship and the Under-21 team to the 2019 title, helping shape many of the players who now form the backbone of Spain’s senior squad.
Under his leadership, Spain won the 2023 UEFA Nations League before ending a 12-year wait for major silverware by lifting UEFA Euro 2024.
First official encounter
Despite their close connection, Sunday’s final will mark the first competitive meeting between the two coaches. They were originally expected to face each other in the Finalissima between the European and South American champions, but the match scheduled for Doha was cancelled because of the conflict in the Middle East.
Scaloni praised his former mentor ahead of the final, acknowledging the work De la Fuente has done with Spain.
“I live in Spain and my family is Spanish,” he said. “I’m very happy for him and for what he has achieved. But on Sunday, we’ll do everything we can to beat them.”
The reunion between teacher and student adds another compelling chapter to a World Cup final already expected to deliver one of the most memorable nights in international football.
