The 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will feature a unique tactical battle between two coaches with a shared history: Argentina's Lionel Scaloni and Spain's Luis de la Fuente. Nine years ago, Scaloni was a professional player transitioning into coaching, studying for his license at the Spanish football federation's training center in Las Rozas, Madrid, where de la Fuente served as his instructor.
Since that time, both managers have achieved significant success at the international level. Scaloni, 48, took the helm of Argentina in August 2018. Under his leadership, the team entered a golden era, winning the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, and a second Copa America title in 2024. De la Fuente, 65, was appointed as Spain's coach in December 2022 following the team's exit from the previous World Cup. He successfully revitalized the squad, leading them to a 2024 European Championship victory, a UEFA Nations League final appearance, and a recent semi-final win over France.
The two coaches have maintained a respectful relationship throughout their careers. Following Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England, Scaloni praised his former mentor, noting that they had previously discussed coaching strategies after the Qatar World Cup. While Scaloni holds deep ties to Spain—where he spent much of his playing career and currently resides with his Spanish wife, Elisa Montero, and their two sons—he remains focused on the upcoming challenge. He stated that he intends to beat his former teacher, despite his high regard for him as both a person and a professional.
De la Fuente has similarly expressed admiration for Scaloni, describing him as a diligent student who possessed a clear determination to grow. He emphasized that he feels honored to have been his teacher and continues to share a strong bond of mutual respect and friendship with the Argentine coach, while acknowledging Scaloni’s impressive achievements with the national team.
He ended their 28-year wait for a major title with victory at the 2021 Copa America and then followed that up with the ultimate prize — the 2022 World Cup. Another Copa America title was added in 2024.
Over a similar period, de la Fuente has overseen a resurgence in Spanish football fortunes that has left La Roja on course for a second World Cup win, to set alongside their triumph in 2010.
