This Spanish side is experiencing a new golden era. Following 2010, La Roja stands once more as world football champion, serving as a prime model of squad renewal on the heels of its Euro 2024 triumph. Their consistency speaks for itself: Luis de la Fuente’s Red Fury is built to endure, even though they have already “won everything.”
“Three Euros and Two World Cups in the Last 18 Years!”
Project forward, they urged! Barely had he found a moment to savor his world champion title when Luis de la Fuente was asked to contemplate 2030 during a news conference. “Success means finding solid traveling companions,” remarked Luis de la Fuente. “Good people who possess the desire to work.” This golden generation stands well above the rest. It also represents the seventh youngest squad at the tournament. Plenty to properly “build upon” for quite some time.
Yamal and Cubarsi Will Be 23 in 2030
“I feel immense pride toward this generation of footballers who developed with this core philosophy, stayed true to it, refined it, and provided us with the model of a cohesive group, a family of fine and great players endowed with extraordinary talent,” savored Luis de la Fuente post-match. “I am simply proud,” he stated plain and simple. And he can rest easy, as well.
Is Nico Williams (24 years old) struggling to replicate his European Championship momentum? Should he start on the bench, Alex Baena (25 years old) steps in seamlessly. Is Lamine Yamal operating at partial strength? He remains the sixth most utilized Spaniard in the World Cup. He will be merely 23 years old in 2030. The same goes for Pau Cubarsi, voted best young player of the competition. Even when Pedri (23 years old) loses ground and delivers a disappointing World Cup campaign, two-time European champion Fabian Ruiz (30 years old) takes his place for the final three fixtures. As if, beyond embodying a splendid footballing vision, this Spanish squad retains the luxury of making mistakes.
“If a Spaniard Is to Claim the Ballon d’Or, Rodri Holds the Advantage”
There was the glorious year of 2010 with Iniesta, Xavi, and David Villa. Now stands 2026 with Laporte, Cubarsi, Rodri, and Oyarzabal. All of them heirs to a brilliant Euro campaign in 2024, but also to the Nations League captured in 2023, along with two runner-up finishes in that same tournament in 2021 and 2025. Consistent, they undeniably are. “We have won everything across all categories; what else is left for us to achieve now?”
Guided by Luis de la Fuente, this Spanish team has little to fear. Whether capturing the European Championship with Alvaro Morata leading the line, or the World Cup with Mikel Oyarzabal, La Roja ultimately prevails. Even when deprived of Pedri—sidelined by injury in 2024 and lacking sufficient influence in 2026. A few prominent figures depart (Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Jesus Navas), while others take up the mantle (Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi). A golden era indeed, it seems.
It is easy to be Spanish and love soccer. Following the contest, his players asked De la Fuente: “We have won everything across every category; what else is left for us to gain now?” Since 2017, Spain has never failed to reach the final four of the Under-21 Euros (finalists in 2017 and 2023, champions in 2019, semifinalists in 2021), and even secured Olympic gold in Paris in 2024.
So, what remains to be done when you have conquered everything, Mr. De la Fuente? “We agreed to focus on winning our upcoming match in September.” Plain and simple. That clash will come against England in the Nations League on the 26th. A hint of an unfulfilled rendezvous, though others will surely follow. And Spain will be ready.