Spain’s players have earned after their magnificent triumph, which delivered the second world title in the nation’s history. But as one chapter closes, another question is already beginning to form: can La Roja do it all over again in 2030?
Any attempt to look four years into the future comes with obvious caveats. Even so, appear to possess many of the ingredients required to end an incredible 64-year run without a champion successfully defending their title in the following tournament.
Since Brazil retained the title in 1962, 15 reigning champions have tried to win the World Cup again four years later, and all have fallen short. Argentina in 1990 and 2026, Brazil in 1998 and France in 2022 got as far as the final, but none managed to go all the way again.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have more reasons for optimism than perhaps any reigning champion in recent memory as they look to retain the title four years after lifting it.
is never a guarantee of success, but history shows that home soil can bring out something special in national teams. Familiar stadiums, roaring crowds and the small margins that often decide World Cup matches could all work in Spain’s favour.
Spain won the World Cup with 11 players aged 25 or under, and only eight aged 30 or over. , Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Victor Munoz and others already look like pillars of both the present and the future. It is easy to imagine several of them playing central roles again in 2030.
Spain have known exactly since before UEFA EURO 2008. Their style goes beyond individuals, even if the midfielders they have produced over the past 18 years have undeniably helped sustain that identity. For La Roja, possession is more than a tactic. It is a language, a rhythm and a way of understanding the game. That clarity gives them a significant edge over teams still searching for the formula they need to win.
De la Fuente inherited a team seeking direction in 2023 and, within three years, transformed Spain into European and world champions. He is the . His current contract runs until June 2028, although an extension is expected that would keep him in charge through to at least the FIFA World Cup 2030™. For Spain, his continuity in the dugout may be another reason to dream.
Sources: FIFA Official
