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New Delhi: Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente reminded defender Marc Cucurella of his promise after his side defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 title on Sunday, July 19. Cucurella made a promise to get La Fuente’s face tattooed on his body if the head coach managed to guide Spain to their second World Cup.

As it turned out, Spain dominated Argentina in the summit clash in New Jersey on Sunday to secure a thrilling 1-0 win. Ferran Torres’ goal in injury time proved to be the difference between the two teams. Torres scored in the 106th minute to put Spain in the lead after Argentina were reduced to ten men ahead of the start of the injury time.

Spain eventually managed to hold on to their lead to win the final and lift their second FIFA World Cup title, bringing an end to their 16-year-long wait. Speaking after his team’s memorable triumph, Spain head coach La Fuente refused to let Cucurella off the hook and reminded the defender of his tattoo promise.

“I am too old for tattoos but my players are men of their word and I know they will stick to their word,” De la Fuente said at the press conference, as quoted by Reuters.

“They made a mistake and they will stick to it. I am not that ugly,” he added.

Earlier in the tournament, Spain’s left-back Cucurella made a promise, boldly claiming that he would get head coach La Fuente’s face tattooed on his body if his team won the FIFA World Cup 2026. “I’m thinking about getting a tattoo if we win the World Cup. It will be the face of Luis de la Fuente, for everything he has done for us. It would be something truly wonderful,” said Cucurella.

The Spanish defender is known for making such claims and living up to them. He vowed to get his hair coloured red if Spain won the Euro 2024 title and did so after his team’s triumph. However, Cucurella has gone a step ahead this time around, and it remains to be seen if he will get a tattoo of his head coach, La Fuente.

Spain’s players promised their manager Luis de la Fuente that they would get his face tattooed somewhere on their bodies if they were to win the World Cup! 😆

But whereabouts will Marc Cucurella choose is the question? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/EhdGS3d4YO

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 20, 2026

La Fuente scripted history by inspiring Spain to a memorable triumph in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as he became the oldest to win the title as head coach. La Fuente’s men were arguably among the best teams in the tournament, shining in both defence and attack.

While Spain kept seven clean sheets in the tournament, they also displayed their attacking flair by keeping their tiki-taka philosophy intact. Spain dominated possession across matches and had one of the best off-ball movements, which played a key role in their World Cup victory.

“I’m so proud of this generation of footballers who have grown up with this philosophy, remained true to it, made it even better, and set an example as a team and a family – they’re excellent, world-class footballers with exceptional talent,” De la Fuente said, praising his players.

“I’m very moved. Looking back and thinking about them, we’ve won everything, absolutely everything, with this generation of players,” he added.