On Sunday, a compelling narrative will unfold at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final as Spain’s Luis de la Fuente faces off against his former student, Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni. This encounter between master and apprentice highlights a remarkable journey that began nearly a decade ago.
Back in 2017, Scaloni was a budding coach attending professional licensing courses at the Spanish football federation’s training center in Las Rozas, near Madrid. It was there that he studied under de la Fuente, who served as one of his instructors.
Since those early days, both men have carved out impressive careers in international football management. Scaloni, now 48, took the reins of the Argentina national team in August 2018, initially stepping in as an interim coach less than a year after his coaching education under de la Fuente.
Under Scaloni’s leadership, Argentina has entered a period of exceptional success. He guided the team to end a 28-year drought without a major international trophy by winning the 2021 Copa America. This triumph was soon eclipsed by the crowning achievement of the 2022 World Cup victory, followed by another Copa America title in 2024.
Spain’s Revival under De la Fuente
Meanwhile, de la Fuente, aged 65, has been instrumental in steering Spain back to prominence on the world stage. Appointed in December 2022 after Spain’s disappointing round-of-16 exit to Morocco in the previous World Cup, he has revitalized La Roja’s prospects.
His efforts have positioned Spain as strong contenders for their second World Cup title, a repeat of their historic 2010 success. The upcoming final thus serves as a testament to the intertwined careers of two coaches whose paths crossed in a classroom and now converge on football’s biggest stage.