Cucurella's coin ritual carries Spain to 2026 World Cup glory

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final at the MedLife Stadium, securing their second world title. The match was decided by an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres. However, the most talked-about moment came before kickoff: Marc Cucurella buried a coin in the turf, a ritual requested by 2010 World Cup winner Joan Capdevila.

Capdevila revealed on X that he had performed the same superstition before the 2010 final against the Netherlands. He asked Cucurella to replicate it, and the Chelsea left-back obliged. "En 2010 enterré una moneda en el césped antes de comenzar el partido... Le pedí a @cucurella3 que hiciera lo mismo ayer" Source: El Confidencial. Cucurella retrieved the coin after the victory.

The ritual

Capdevila, who faced visa issues to attend the final, eventually watched from the stands. His gesture was a symbolic handover between generations of Spanish left-backs. Cucurella's coin burial, captured on camera, became a viral moment Source: La Vanguardia.

The match

Spain dominated possession and created several chances before Ferran Torres headed in the winner in the 108th minute. Argentina, runners-up in 2022, failed to convert their opportunities. Luis de la Fuente's side finished the tournament with seven wins and one draw Source: Excélsior.

What's next

Spain will co-host the 2030 World Cup. The team aims to join the select group of nations with back-to-back titles.