Spain’s 2010 echoes guide path to World Cup final with Argentina | OneFootball

Spain play their second FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, meeting holders Argentina in New York, 16 years after Johannesburg. El Periódico Mediterráneo notes a striking run of 2010 parallels that seem to hint La Roja could lift the trophy again.

Spain topped UEFA qualifying in Group E both times and faced Türkiye, then led Group H at the finals as top seeds. In 2010 the group featured Switzerland, Honduras and Marcelo Bielsa’s Chile, while this year the last group game came against Bielsa’s Uruguay. Luis de la Fuente has eight Barcelona players, the same total Vicente del Bosque used.

Early stumbles also match, a Swiss defeat in 2010 and a Cape Verde draw in this tournament’s opener. Portugal were beaten 1-0 in the last 16 in both years. The semi-finals pitted European opponents previously beaten at the Euros and were decided by defenders, Carles Puyol then Pedro Porro, with Spain reaching the final without extra time.

Spain arrived as reigning European champions in 2010 and 2026, beating Germany and Italy in those campaigns, and began each World Cup ranked second by FIFA. Mikel Oyarzabal’s five goals mirror David Villa’s pre-final haul in 2010.

The 2026 World Cup began on 11 June, as in 2010, with Mexico v South Africa again the opener, this time in the Americas. Javier Aguirre coached Mexico in both and departed after last-16 exits. Off the pitch, Shakira returned with Dai Dai on 14 May and both editions feature feline mascots, a jaguar in 2026 and a leopard in 2010.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo