The Spanish team assured its presence in the final of the 2026 World Cup after leaving France on the road in the semifinals. The result also eliminated the current runners-up of the tournament and fueled the excitement of La Roja fans. to win his second world title.
While awaiting the outcome of the semifinal between England and Argentina, there are three curious historical records that favor the aspirations of the team led by Luis de la Fuente. Although statistics do not win games, they have been a constant in the history of World Cups.
The first fact is related to the Ballon d’Or. Since the creation of the World Cup, no team that has included among its ranks the current winner of the prestigious award has managed to lift the trophy. The current Ballon d’Or is the Frenchman Ousmane Dembélé, but France was eliminated in the semifinals at the hands of Spain, so that trend remains intact.
The second statistic points directly to England. No country has won a World Cup under the direction of a foreign coach. The English are led by German Thomas Tuchel, who took office in January 2025 and now seeks to break a tradition that has endured throughout the history of the tournament.
The third involves Argentina. No selection that has started a World Cup as leader of the Fifa ranking has managed to be crowned champion. The Albiceleste started the 2026 World Cup in the first position in the world rankings, so they must also face that particular historical mark.
With France already eliminated and with England and Argentina fighting for the last ticket to the final, one of those two teams will also be left. out of the title race. Meanwhile, Spain observes the panorama with optimism, backed by statistics that fuel the dream of reigning again in world football, something it has not achieved since South Africa 2010.
Now it will be La Roja’s turn to demonstrate on the pitch that numbers can become reality when they play the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.