World football: Spanish expertise reigns supreme

Spanish football continues to assert its supremacy on the international stage. Spain's victory at the 2026 World Cup, secured on Sunday after a 1-0 extra-time win against Argentina, crowns a period of exceptional dominance for Iberian football. Beyond the mere world trophy, this success illustrates the quality of the work carried out for several years by Spanish coaches, both at the national team and club levels.

Throughout the World Cup held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, La Roja displayed impressive control. Solid defensively, attractive in their play, and efficient in decisive moments, the team led by Luis de la Fuente dominated the competition to secure another world title, thus confirming Spain's place among the great powers of football.

This triumph is part of a much broader trend. Spanish coaches are racking up successes across all stages of international football. At the helm of Paris Saint-Germain, Luis Enrique led the Parisian club to two consecutive Champions League titles, confirming his status among the best coaches in the world.

Spanish success doesn't stop at Europe's most prestigious competition. In the Europa League, Unai Emery once again demonstrated his expertise by leading Aston Villa to the title with a resounding 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the final. This performance further enhances the reputation of Spanish coaches on the continent.

In the Premier League as well, the Spanish influence is evident. After more than two decades of waiting, Arsenal returned to the top of the English league under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. The Basque manager built a competitive team, capable of ending a 22-year drought and bringing the title back to London.

While the senior national team shone in North America, Spain's youth academy also continued its rise. The under-19s, coached by Paco Gallardo, won the U19 European Championship, defeating Germany 2-0 in the final, proof that the ongoing youth development program continues to bear fruit.

These successes, achieved at both the senior and youth levels, demonstrate the strength of the Spanish model. Player development, coach training, tactical preparation, work methodology, and organizational structures: Spain seems to have found the recipe for remaining at the top for the long term.

At a time when several major nations like Germany, Italy, and Brazil are seeking to renew their development models, Spanish football appears more than ever as a global benchmark. Its influence now extends beyond La Liga to major leagues and international competitions, confirming that Spanish expertise remains among the most effective in world football.