Spain left-back Marc Cucurella has made a stunning, viral pledge ahead of Spain's highly anticipated showdown against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, promising to permanently ink his body and walk away from international duty if La Roja lifts the trophy. Speaking directly to the French daily L'Équipe and other media outlets, the defender left fans completely shocked by his raw, unfiltered declaration. Explaining his unexpected international retirement plans, Cucurella boldly stated, "If we win, I will get a tattoo of De La Fuente’s face on my body and I will announce my retirement from international football."
He further elaborated on his mindset regarding completing the ultimate international double, adding, "World Cup, Euros… what
else you can do? From Monday I’d call him and tell him I’d leave it all."
The full-back's high-stakes personal wager to put his national team manager's face on his bicep honors the immense trust Luis de la Fuente has placed in him. Cucurella has played every single minute of Spain's dominant run in North America, viewing a potential World Cup victory, hot on the heels of their Euro 2024 triumph, as the absolute pinnacle of any player's career. Because he famously followed through on a previous tournament bet by dyeing his iconic long hair bright red after winning the Euros, the football world fully expects him to fulfill these extraordinary new vows come Monday if Spain manages to secure global glory.
🚨😁 Marc Cucurella: “If we win, I will get a tattoo of De La Fuente’s face on my body and I will announce my retirement from international football”. “World Cup, Euros… what else you can do? From Monday I’d call him and tell him I’d leave it all”. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/baUzBkLdQZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2026
Spain fine-tune preparations ahead of World Cup final against Argentina
Spain’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina centers on tactical discipline, physical readiness, and squad cohesion. Based at the Melanie Lane Training Grounds in Whippany, New Jersey, manager Luis de la Fuente has all 26 players fully available for selection. A core focus of their training sessions has been neutralizing Argentina’s renowned midfield physicality.
Captain Rodri emphasized that the team must remain mentally sharp and prepared for intense duels, urging his teammates to be more eager to win than scared to lose. Tactically, La Roja is refining their trademark possession-heavy carousel and swift transitional counter-press, which has allowed them to dominate this tournament with the strongest defensive record, conceding just one goal across seven matches.
To maintain peak performance, the coaching staff carefully managed player workloads, briefly resting teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal during early New Jersey sessions before he rejoined full training. This blending of youthful exuberance from stars like Yamal and Nico Williams with the veteran composure of Rodri anchors Spain’s strategy. Off the pitch, the atmosphere remains relaxed yet focused, highlighted by lighthearted squad pacts and commitments to manager De la Fuente.
Having built a winning foundation since their 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024 triumphs, Spain’s meticulous preparation reflects a mature group that has gradually grown over a five-year process. They enter the historic showdown at MetLife Stadium fully convinced of their collective brilliance and ready to capture their second world title.
