Luis de la Fuente: "It's going to be a spectacular final"

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the media at the iconic Javits Center in Manhattan, where FIFA hosted the official pre-match press conferences for the coaches and captains of the two finalists ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey.

Spain and Argentina will contest the most eagerly anticipated match of the tournament—and the one every one of the 48 teams dreamed of reaching. Having already guided Spain to UEFA EURO 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League titles, De la Fuente now has the chance to complete the set by lifting the FIFA World Cup.

All or nothing

"It's a privilege to be in a World Cup final and we'll fight to win it. We're facing a fantastic team, but we'll try to enjoy the occasion and bring the trophy home."

On the final

"It's going to be a spectacular occasion, with two outstanding teams full of talent. We'll both try to impose our own game, but I believe both sides will approach the final by trusting in the quality of their players."

Feeling nervous?

"No, I'm calm because I just want to enjoy this moment. We're incredibly fortunate to experience something like this. Of course we'll fight to win it."

On Lamine Yamal

"He took a heavy knock when he won the penalty. He was feeling a bit of discomfort, so yesterday we preferred to let him rest. Today he trained with the group and everyone is available. Lamine just needs to be himself, the player we've always known, because he has incredible potential."

Managing emotions

"It's true that Argentina have shown they can come through difficult moments in recent matches, but we've done the same not so long ago. I think the two teams have a lot in common, just as Lionel Scaloni and I do. We have to stay true to our ideas and try to impose our game. I expect a very, very evenly matched final."

On Lionel Scaloni

"We have a great relationship and we're both really looking forward to the match. We're fierce competitors, but there's also a great deal of mutual respect and admiration between us. It's a special occasion for both of us."

On Argentina

"I have enormous admiration for a team that has won two Copa América titles, lifted the World Cup and now reached another World Cup final. I have huge respect for Argentina because they're achieving something truly extraordinary."