World Cup 2026: By Cesar Azpilicueta - Why Spain will remain calm

World Cup 2026: By Cesar Azpilicueta - Why Spain will remain calm

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Cesar Azpilicueta is the spiritual pillar of the Spanish team, emphasizing the team's identity and collective mindset. His experience and leadership could have a positive impact on the team's performance in the final against Argentina.

Why it's important

Spain are targeting a second star at World Cup 2026 and the final against Argentina is a key test of their confidence. Winning Euro 2024 and going 37 games unbeaten have contributed to strengthening the team's cohesion and spirit. These factors will form the basis for Spain's victory against Argentina.

Key takeaways

• World Cup 2026: Cesar Azpilicueta writes - Why Spain will remain calm.
• Cesar Azpilicueta highlights Spain's confidence and team strength as they prepare for the World Cup final against Argentina.
• World Cup 2026: Cesar Azpilicueta column - why Spain will keep calm and carry on - BBC Sport.

Spain are looking for a second star. We don't have to do anything special to win the World Cup. You just have to stay calm and keep playing the same way. I'm currently back in Madrid after covering the competition for the BBC and the whole country believes we can beat Argentina this Sunday and bring home the trophy like we did in 2010. This confidence comes from many places. It comes from winning Euro 2024, going 37 games unbeaten, and the way they beat France in the semi-final. The strength of this Spanish team lies in the group and their mindset. They are a group that all play together and always play the same way because they have an identity they believe in. The first match of this World Cup was a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, and it wasn't the result we expected. But they did not panic and did not change their approach. They had to fight until the last minute to win in the knockout rounds against Portugal and Belgium, and the same was true when they took an early lead against France in the semi-finals. France are one of the favorites to win the entire competition and despite scoring many goals in other matches, Spain remained positive and did not change their approach to protect their lead. Maintaining and adhering to that clear identity is of the utmost importance. Spain can now make personnel changes within the team, but always maintain the same form and mentality. It is important to have as much of the ball as possible and control the game. Of course, any match can bring a variety of situations, but it is surprising that so far Spain have not fallen behind in any of their seven matches at this World Cup. If we fall behind against Argentina in the final, we will maintain the composure we have shown from the start. All of Spain is feeling confident heading into the final, but Argentina will be feeling the same. They are the current champions and have shown enough potential to become world champions again. In particular, Lionel Messi has been in amazing form and has revealed to everyone his ambition and desire. We know in Spain how he can make a difference at any moment of the game. He can play in a number of ways, such as changing his position slightly and moving to the right to find more space. But I also know the rest of the Argentina team well. That's how dangerous they are and that they will give everything for the trophy. I have played with some of the players at Atletico Madrid from 2023 to 2025 and know their mentality and quality well. One of them, Juan Alvarez, can be said to be a very complete player. He's not the type of pure No. 9 or deeper No. 10 type. He can also work on the flanks and is willing to be everywhere. Although he may drop back at times, he is also a very decisive striker, and wherever he is on the field, he is always looking to get into the box and finish for his team. Álvarez can also shoot from outside with both his left and right foot, and has scored many wonderful goals for club and country. I played against him and saw his skills when we trained together at Atlético. Like Messi, he is a differentiated player with the quality, talent and intelligence to change the game at any time. Spain will have to watch him closely. It will be very difficult to silence Argentina, but Spain will benefit from the structure of our team and how strong we have been defensively. So far Spain has conceded only one goal. Spain usually play deep in the opposition's half and press forward, but even in difficult moments at this World Cup they have been able to play more compactly, in a mid or low block, together. This is entirely down to a team effort, and collectively we have done very well. Rodri and Fabian Ruiz are very disciplined in the way they close down the back four, and Lamine Yamal did an incredible job defending against France to prevent them from creating clear chances. Alex Baena has also played the same role on the left. Lamine Yamal is growing in this competition. His off-the-cuff work shows his mindset. He probably hasn't scored many goals in this competition - only one in the group stage against Saudi Arabia so far - but you can see his willingness to help the team. Sometimes, even when he doesn't receive the ball, he draws defenders in to create space for a teammate. This Spanish team is a real team. They all have that mentality. Sometimes you sacrifice yourself and try to put the team first. So whoever plays on the wings, our wingers are very attacking but will also help the full-backs when they lose the ball. Our number 9, Mikel Oyarzabal, also comes down to receive the midfielder. Likewise, our full-backs Pedro Foro and Marc Cucurella are not only strong defensively, but have also been involved in the attacking phase, contributing assists and goals and playing an important role in the way we move the ball. In an attacking team like Spain, full-backs are likely to get very high and be exposed defensively, but Foro and Cucurella have shown that they can do their job well against really strong wingers. It's great to see all the players willing to put in the extra work for the team. Now all we want is to see more of the same. Some players were not at 100% condition at the beginning of the tournament, but I think coach Luis de la Punte kept this in mind as it is a long World Cup. Since then my confidence has grown and so has my stamina. Now the players have a chance to make the whole country happy. It won't be easy against Argentina, but they will go into the final in the best shape of this World Cup.

future outlook

In the final, Spain will focus on stopping Argentina's attacks and controlling the game. Argentina also has a strong team led by Lionel Messi, so it is important for Spain to keep their composure. This match is also expected to have a major impact on the future season outlook for World Cup 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the score in the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina?

No information on scores is currently available.

How will Spain be affected by their match against Argentina?

Spain are currently unbeaten in 37 games and will be hoping for a second star after beating Argentina in the final.

When is Spain's next match?

Spain's next match is the final against Argentina.

What was the result of Spain's first match in the World Cup group stage?

Spain drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their first match of the group stage.

What is the current situation in Argentina?

Argentina are the current champions and Lionel Messi is in excellent form.

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