Spain
Spain have become so strong partly because so many young players (and coaches) have gone abroad
A philosophy that has become a model for others, built on every club’s consistent investment in its youth academies and the immediate opportunities those young players receive in the league.
Spain and Morocco begin a long race to host the 2030 World Cup final
The Bernabéu was the favourite, but the world’s largest stadium is set to rise in Casablanca. Other signs suggest the race remains wide open.
Pau Cubarsí was one of the defining figures of Spain’s World Cup triumph — the numbers confirm his impact (at just 19 years old)
A centre-back this young had never made such an impact in a game of this magnitude. A leader at the heart of a legendary defence.
Lamine Yamal was not at his best at the World Cup, but Spain won and his brand is set to become a giant
No player has ever won the World Cup so early, especially in an era when football revenues have grown tenfold.
Luis de la Fuente’s conviction and patience, the low-profile coach who took Spain back to the top of world football
The World Cup-winning manager faced scepticism, not least because his appointment appeared to be a conservative choice. Instead, he has built an outstanding national team, modern yet deeply rooted in his tactical and cultural identity.
The World Cup was won by the team that deserved it most (and Spain’s model cannot be replicated)
The triumph and dominance over Argentina, after a World Cup they controlled from start to finish, are the result of work that has been underway for decades. A process the Spaniards always believed in, despite the setbacks.
Spain’s World Cup campaign could provide a major boost for a small independent MLS Next Pro club
La Roja have chosen Chattanooga, Tennessee, as their base for this American World Cup, with the local club seeing a sharp rise in attendances and business revenues.
The Argentina-Spain World Cup final will have the highest ticket prices of any sporting event in American history
To see Messi face Yamal live, some fans are willing to spend a year’s salary.
The World Cup final will be played in a spectacular stadium, but nobody likes the pitch
Players and coaches who have experienced the MetLife Stadium pitch say the surface is too hard and almost feels artificial.
Spain beat France with the strength of the collective and the clarity of an idea — now they are the World Cup favourites
De la Fuente’s side managed to neutralise the boundless talent of Les Bleus with a game plan built around their identity.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy claims France have no French players, apparently unaware that almost all of Deschamps’ squad were born there
There is another thing the former Spanish prime minister appears not to realise: Spain’s national team also has similar cases to those of Les Bleus.
Lamine Yamal is already a star with huge commercial appeal, and some experts believe he has the potential to reach Messi’s level
With the timing of his rise and a natural swagger, millions of fans already see football’s next great star in him.