Spain stands on the brink of making FIFA World Cup history as the first nation to win both the men’s and women’s tournaments back-to-back. The women’s team claimed the 2023 title, and the men’s squad now eyes victory in Sunday’s final.
Spain’s path to a historic double
The Spanish men’s national team, a perennial contender with 17 World Cup appearances, last lifted the trophy in 2010. A win on Sunday would follow the women’s 2023 triumph, achieved in Australia and New Zealand. Only Germany and Spain have won both men’s and women’s World Cups, but no nation has secured consecutive victories in both.
Challenges and controversies in Spanish women’s soccer
Despite its dominance in men’s soccer—bolstered by La Liga’s elite clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona—Spain’s women’s program has faced systemic issues. Players in 2015 ousted coach Ignacio Quereda amid allegations of harassment and neglect, documented in the 2021 film Romper el silencio. Before the 2023 World Cup, 15 players demanded reforms, and after winning, the team publicly opposed federation president Luis Rubiales following his non-consensual kiss of forward Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales was later suspended and convicted of sexual assault.
Men’s team striker Borja Iglesias showed solidarity with Hermoso, refusing to play until Rubiales was removed. Their embrace after Spain’s semifinal win over France went viral.
What’s next for Spain
Spain’s men’s team faces Argentina in the final at 3 p.m. ET Sunday in New Jersey. A victory would cement Spain’s place in football history.
