Marc Cucurella Makes Retirement Promise Ahead of Spain vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final

July 19, 2026: Spain defender Marc Cucurella has revealed that he will retire from international football if La Roja defeat Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final. The Chelsea left-back also promised to get a permanent tattoo of head coach Luis de la Fuente to honour him if Spain lift the trophy.

Spain are preparing for their biggest match in over a decade as they aim to win their first FIFA World Cup title since their historic triumph in 2010. Standing in their way are defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in what is expected to be the toughest challenge of Luis de la Fuente's tenure as Spain manager.

Speaking ahead of the final, Cucurella admitted that winning the World Cup would leave him with nothing more to achieve at the international level. Having already won the UEFA European Championship with Spain, the defender believes adding the World Cup would complete his journey with the national team.

“If we win the World Cup, I’ll call Luis the next day and tell him not to count on me anymore, that I’m retiring from the national team. With a European Championship and a World Cup, I can’t do any better. I would get a little tattoo of Spain manager Luis de la Fuente’s face on my bicep if we were to win the World Cup,” Cucurella said.

🗣️ Marc Cucurella: "Si gano el Mundial llamo a Luis al día siguiente y me retiro de la selección, con una Eurocopa y un Mundial no se puede pedir más."

LEYENDA 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/OmKTzWOfnj

— (fan) REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) July 17, 2026

Luis de la Fuente Says Spain Are Ready to Enjoy the Occasion

While Cucurella spoke about the possibility of ending his international career, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente adopted a calm and relaxed approach ahead of the final. The veteran coach even joked with reporters before explaining that his team was focused on enjoying the opportunity rather than feeling pressure.

“I’m quite nervous because we’ll be returning by helicopter,” De la Fuente said with a smile. “We came by helicopter, and we have to fly back once the press conference is over, and that really makes me nervous. Nothing else, though – I’m absolutely calm. We’re lucky to be in these circumstances, in this situation.”

The Spain boss also dismissed the idea that reaching the final would mean little if his side failed to win the trophy. According to De la Fuente, competing in a World Cup final is a major achievement in itself, and his players are determined to make the most of the occasion.

“For me, the important thing is to be in a position to win, to reach a final. I’d be happy to reach a World Cup final every year and lose. But to reach the final and have the chance to fight for the title. We’re going to enjoy that moment using our strengths and our qualities, whilst keeping our opponents – who are a truly formidable side – in check,” he said.

With the World Cup trophy at stake, Spain will be aiming to end a 16-year wait for global glory, while Argentina will look to defend their crown. As the two football giants prepare for the title clash, Cucurella's bold promise has added another fascinating storyline to what promises to be a memorable final.