How did Spain manage to triumph over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final? Was it their tactical brilliance, superior talent, or perhaps a stroke of superstition involving a lucky charm?
Depending on whom you ask, the answer might differ. But for Joan Capdevila, a 2010 World Cup champion, a certain small object definitely played a role in Spain's latest global success.
Capdevila, a member of the Spanish squad that lifted the trophy 16 years earlier, encouraged the 2026 team to replicate the pre-match ritual he once performed before their victorious final. He strongly believes that it made a difference back then — and again this time.
In a post on X, Capdevila disclosed that before the 2010 World Cup Final, he buried a coin on the side of the pitch, and that he had advised Marc Cucurella to do the same before Spain faced Argentina in 2026.
He wrote: “Now I’ll reveal a little secret. In 2010, I buried a coin in the grass before the match began.”
“I’ve mentioned this story countless times. I asked Cucurella to repeat the gesture yesterday... Marc, I love you so much. YOU’RE A WORLD CHAMPION!”
The post included a video showing the Real Madrid full-back walking towards the edge of the pitch and discreetly placing something into the turf — almost certainly the coin Capdevila told him to hide.
The victory was particularly sweet for Capdevila, who had faced uncertainty just days earlier about whether he would even be able to attend the final.
The former defender’s ESTA visa application had initially been denied, leading him to publicly appeal to Donald Trump on X. He wrote: “I’ve just been told I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA was denied.”
“I can’t believe I’m being prevented from entering the USA... and that I might miss this incredible moment with my children — we love football so deeply. If anyone knows how to fix this, I would be forever grateful.”
Thankfully, his travel situation was resolved in time, allowing him to witness Cucurella’s symbolic act of burying the lucky coin — moments before Spain went on to claim their second-ever World Cup title.
After the final, Capdevila reflected: “How could it not have been worth all the trouble? I deserved to be here with my family, celebrating this incredible moment — justice was done.”
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible; my heartfelt thanks to all of you.”
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