Spain defender Marc Cucurella has hailed his team’s “incredible” defensive display after La Roja defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the second period of extra time at the MetLife Stadium as Spain claimed their second World Cup title.
Luis de la Fuente’s side finished the tournament with the best defensive record of any World Cup-winning team, conceding just one goal in eight matches.
Belgium were the only side to breach Spain’s defence during the tournament, scoring in the quarter-final in Los Angeles.
Reflecting on the achievement, Cucurella said Spain’s defensive organisation played a decisive role in their successful campaign.
“When you don’t concede, I think it’s much easier to win,” he said.
The left-back stressed that the defensive success was the result of a collective effort rather than the work of the backline alone.
“We’ve done an incredible job in that regard all tournament, and not just the defenders and the goalkeeper, because I think it’s a team effort.
“Ultimately it’s about everyone making sacrifices.
“We attack together and defend together. That’s one of the keys to this team.”
Cucurella, who recently completed a move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, said the players were now ready to enjoy the reward for their efforts after spending nearly seven weeks together during the competition.
“Now it’s time to celebrate,” he said.
“We came here with a goal, spent 50 days, or nearly 50, in camp, and now it’s time to be together, enjoy every moment, reminisce, and above all, switch off.
“I think we deserve a good party.”
Spain’s victory over Argentina secured the country’s second FIFA World Cup crown, 16 years after lifting the trophy for the first time in South Africa in 2010.