Spain defender Marc Cucurella appears ready to follow through on the promise he made before the FIFA World Cup final after La Roja defeated Argentina to capture the 2026 world title.
Ahead of the championship match, the incoming Real Madrid left-back said he would retire from international football if Spain lifted the trophy, believing there would be nothing left for him to accomplish with the national team after winning both the UEFA European Championship and the World Cup.
“If we win the World Cup, I’ll call Luis the next day and tell him not to count on me anymore, that I’m retiring from the national team. With a European Championship and a World Cup, I can’t do any better,” Cucurella had said before the final.
Spain went on to fulfill that goal, defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the title-winning goal in the 106th minute, giving Spain its second FIFA World Cup crown.
Cucurella also vowed to commemorate the achievement in a unique way by getting a tattoo of Spain coach Luis de la Fuente on his bicep if the team won the tournament.
He also stressed that simply reaching a World Cup final was already a major accomplishment but believed his players had what it took to seize the moment.
“For me, the important thing is to be in a position to win, to reach a final. We’d enjoy that moment using our strengths and our qualities while keeping our opponents in check,” he said.
Attention now turns to whether Cucurella will officially announce his retirement from international football after fulfilling the pledge of ending La Roja’s 16-year title drought. (AC)
