NEW YORK – For Spanish men’s football, reaching the FIFA World Cup final remains a rare milestone. This Sunday’s clash with defending champion Argentina marks only the second time in the nation’s history that La Roja has advanced this far in the tournament, but according to captain and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, this run is the product of half a decade of intentional, incremental growth.
The foundations for Spain’s 2024 World Cup run were laid in previous major tournament triumphs: a 2023 Nations League title and 2024 European Championship victory forged the cohesion and mental toughness that has carried the team through the past five weeks of knockout football. Ahead of the biggest match of his career, Rodri has emphasized one core message to his squad: approach the final with hunger for victory, not fear of defeat.
“We have been gradually growing as a group over the past five years,” Rodri told reporters on Friday. “This entire run is the result of that long process, and we just need to stick to what has worked for us so far.”
Spain’s defensive solidity has been the standout story of their tournament run. Through seven matches, the side has conceded just one single goal, following a 2-0 semi-final victory over France that booked their place in the final. After a surprising opening-game draw against Cape Verde, La Roja has dominated its opponents, outscoring the competition by a 13-1 margin across the campaign. Late match-winner Mikel Merino stepped up to break ties in both the round of 16 and quarter-finals to keep Spain’s run alive, while goalkeeper Unai Simón has recorded nine crucial saves to anchor the league’s stifling defensive structure.
When it comes to long-term ambitions, Rodri says the side never hid its goal of lifting the trophy. “From the moment we arrived at this World Cup, our goal was to win the title, and we have always been convinced we could do it,” he said. “We have proven that this team can beat the very best opponents in world football.”
Rodri pushed back against the widespread narrative that Spain only relies on one rigid style of play, highlighting the side’s tactical flexibility as a key strength heading into the physical test against Argentina. “I don’t think any two matches from us have looked the same this tournament,” the 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder explained. “Sunday will be a very different game, it will be far more physical than what we have faced so far, and we are ready to adapt. If there is one thing this national team is known for, it is that we can adjust our game to any situation. We can defend deep, hit on the counter, or dominate possession and attack – we are a complete side, and that is why we are standing in the final today.”
Sixteen years have passed since Spain won its first ever World Cup title, and Rodri acknowledged that the grit of that 2008 champion squad remains an inspiration for the current group. Still, he stressed that this run has been forged by the unique development of this current generation of players. He added that he believes the side can still raise its game another level ahead of the Argentina match, pointing to the dominant semi-final performance against France as proof of what the team is capable of.
“Against France, we put in one of the best team performances in our history,” Rodri said. “But against Argentina, we have to rise to an even higher level, because they are the defending champions. I am incredibly confident that we can do that.”
Off the pitch, much of the pre-final attention has centered on the fitness of 19-year-old breakout star Lamine Yamal, who was spotted with a wrap on his left thigh after taking a knock in the semi-final against France. But Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente moved quickly to ease concerns over the young winger’s status, confirming that Yamal participated in full team training on Friday and is fit to play.
Yamal, who infamously was photographed as an infant alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi back in 2007, is widely tipped as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner and the heir to Messi’s title as the world’s best player. Many have framed Sunday’s final as a symbolic passing of the torch between the two generations, but de la Fuente says he has urged Yamal to ignore that narrative and focus on playing his own game.
“Messi is a once-in-history player, and he is a perfect role model for young players for his attitude and professionalism,” de la Fuente said. “Lamine is already having a spectacular World Cup at 19 years old, which is incredible. But Lamine just needs to be Lamine Yamal. The best support we can give him is to let him be the player he is, because he has extraordinary potential and a bright future ahead of him.”
For de la Fuente, the only thing sparking anxiety ahead of the final isn’t the quality of Argentina’s attack, poor air quality or the condition of the match pitch – it’s the helicopter ride back to New Jersey after Friday’s media appearances in New York.
“I’m nervous because we have to go back by helicopter,” the coach admitted with a laugh. “I’m serious – we flew here by helicopter, and we have to fly back, and that makes me really anxious. Everything else? I’m completely calm. I feel so lucky to be in this position, and we are just going to enjoy this incredible moment.”