“Sport is a sign of tolerance and respect, generosity and team spirit that makes our country proud and great,” said the king Philip VI before the 2026 World Cup in a speech. Now, those words take on more meaning than ever, because all Spain enjoyed the final against Argentinain which the Red won the victory.
In this historic match, the kings, the Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia they encouraged the Red from the MetLife Stadiumin East Rutherford, New Jerseywhere, with all certainty, they once again wore the national team shirt that they had already put on to watch the semifinal against Francea garment with the number 26.
This camisole unleashed all kinds of conspiracy theories on social networks about why they had chosen that number, but the mystery was finally solved after the surprise of seeing the royal family passionately live the World Cup final against the Albicelestea few hours after finishing the Princess of Girona Awards.
The image of the four together vibrating with Ferran Torres’ goal was remembered to that of any Spanish home at that same time, since Felipe, Letizia, the Princess of Asturias and Sofia changed their awards ceremony outfits for the second kit of the Spanish team: Each shirt had their names and number engraved 26.
Wink to the summoned players?
26 is a figure that many Internet users on digital platforms interpreted as a nod to the number of players summoned by the Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente for this World Cup. However, this is just a coincidence, because that number has another meaning for the royal family of King Felipe VI.
Seeing the kings and their daughters wear the number 26many automatically reviewed the alignment of the selection and they noticed Borja Iglesiaswho wears that number on his shirt. Therefore, some thought that it was a show of support for the Celta Vigo strikerbecome one of the great stars of the Red.
However, despite having played only two minutes in the World Cup, the attacker Galician nor was it the reason why the royal family chose 26, since the reason that number appears on their shirts has a more logical explanation: The 26 is nothing more than a reference to the year in which the current World Cup was held.
According to what was stated by King Felipe VI, the white t-shirts they wore were a gift of the Royal Spanish Football Federation and these garments were added to the other La Roja shirts that they own and that they have worn on previous occasions, such as when they received the winners of the Euro 2024 in the Zarzuela Palace.
Spain’s number 26: Borja Iglesias
One of the players that caught the attention of the fans the most was number 26, Borja Iglesiassince the forward of the Celtic of Vigo He returned to a major international competition when few counted on him and ended up becoming one of the most beloved footballers in the locker room thanks to his work, his charisma and their commitment.
When Luis de la Fuente announced the final list for the World Cup, one of the names that most surprised was that of Borja Iglesias, since the Galician attacker He was not a regular in the last calls, but he received the confidence of the coach to wear the number 26 and contribute experience, mobility and work on the attack.