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Spain defender Marc Cucurella has credited his side’s collective defensive discipline as the foundation of their successful 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, following Sunday’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s second World Cup title, ending a disciplined contest in which Luis de la Fuente’s side once again demonstrated the defensive organisation that defined their tournament.
Spain completed the championship having conceded just one goal in eight matches, the fewest ever recorded by a World Cup-winning team. Belgium remained the only side to breach La Roja’s defence during the tournament, scoring in the quarter-final clash in Los Angeles.
Reflecting on the achievement, Cucurella said Spain’s success was built on the collective commitment of every player rather than the efforts of the backline alone.
“When you don’t concede, I think it’s much easier to win,” the left-back said.
“We’ve done an incredible job in that regard throughout the tournament, and it’s not just about the defenders or the goalkeeper. It has been a complete team effort.
“Everyone has made sacrifices. We attack together and we defend together. That has been one of the biggest strengths of this team.”
Spain’s disciplined defensive structure was complemented by effective midfield control and patient attacking play, allowing the European champions to navigate every knockout fixture before finally overcoming Argentina in the final.
The World Cup triumph also caps a remarkable period for Spain under De la Fuente, whose side added the global title to their recent European success while establishing themselves as one of international football’s most balanced teams.
Cucurella, who recently completed a move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, said the squad could now enjoy the reward for weeks of hard work and preparation.
“Now it’s time to celebrate,” he said.
“We came here with one objective and spent almost 50 days together in camp. Now we can enjoy every moment, look back on what we’ve achieved and finally switch off for a while.
“I think we’ve earned the right to celebrate.”
Spain’s triumph marked their second FIFA World Cup title after their historic success in South Africa in 2010, with their disciplined defence and tactical consistency emerging as the defining features of a memorable campaign.
