By Juan Samuel Santana Chávez

Spain has once again reached a World Cup final after a 16-year wait, following their 2-0 victory over France in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. With this result, Luis de la Fuente's squad will compete for the title for the second time in their history, repeating the feat achieved in South Africa 2010, when they beat the Netherlands 1-0 to win their only world championship.

La Roja has had a remarkable run in recent World Cups. After lifting the trophy in 2010, they were eliminated in the group stage in Brazil 2014, lost in the round of 16 in Russia 2018 against the hosts, and were once again knocked out at the same stage in Qatar 2022 after losing on penalties to Morocco. In the current edition, Spain has regained international prominence by advancing through the knockout rounds and returning to the title contention.

Before their historic 2010 title, Spain had come close to glory on several occasions without reaching the final. Their best performances were a fourth-place finish in Brazil 1950 and reaching the semifinals in Germany 2006, where they were eliminated by France. Now, 16 years after reaching the pinnacle of world football, the Spanish team will seek to win their second star and consolidate a new generation that has returned the Iberian national team to the elite of international football.