Fernando Morientes, the former Spain and Real Madrid striker, has identified the country's grassroots coaching infrastructure as the driving force behind Spain's continued dominance on the international stage — with La Roja now in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating France.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sent Luis de la Fuente's side past France in Tuesday's semi-final, setting up a final on 19 July against either England or Argentina. It marks Spain's second World Cup final appearance in 16 years, following their triumph in South Africa in 2010.
A record of sustained excellence
Spain have reached five international finals from six major tournaments since 2021, claiming Euro 2024 and the Nations League along the way, while finishing runner-up in the latter on two separate occasions. The current generation has drawn inevitable comparisons to the 'tiki taka' era that produced back-to-back European Championship titles and a World Cup between 2008 and 2012.
Morientes, now 50, scored 27 goals in 47 appearances for Spain across a nine-year international career that included two World Cup campaigns. He spent the bulk of his club career at Real Madrid before a spell at Liverpool, and he believes the present generation's achievements stem from systemic investment in youth development.
