Spain should host 2030 World Cup final, says Luis de la Fuente

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says the 2030 World Cup final should be played in Spain and that he was saddened by Barcelona’s refusal to allow eight of the country’s world champions to receive an honour.

De la Fuente also addressed the Ballon d’Or race between Spain midfielders Rodri and Lamine Yamal, saying both players had done enough to deserve the award.

“Both of them are Spanish, and I would give the award to a Spanish player,” De la Fuente said at a news conference. “I believe they have both done enough to deserve to win it, and they have the talent to receive this recognition.”

The Spain manager was asked whether it would be unfair if the World Cup final was not staged in Spain, and whether he was concerned about political interference in the decision.

“My opinion, and it is what I can control, is that the final should be held in Spain for many reasons,” he said. “There is still a long time to go, and I am certain that FIFA will recognise the good things Spain offers in terms of infrastructure and stadiums.

“At the moment, I have no doubt that the final should be played in Spain.”

De la Fuente was also questioned about whether Spain’s world title had created any new concerns for the team. He said his only worry was ensuring that his players remained fit and available.

“The only thing that concerns me is the players’ health and whether we can count on them,” he said. “Two or three minutes after the final had ended, one of the players came up to me and asked: ‘What is left for us to win?’

“I replied: ‘The match against England on 26 September.’”

De la Fuente added that Spain’s ambitions had not been reduced by winning the World Cup.

“This team does not stop,” he said. “Winning the World Cup is not enough for us. We have to be better, and what we have achieved is not enough to win the next match.

“I have no doubts or concerns other than making sure everyone is ready and healthy.”

He was then asked about eight world champions missing out on the honour because of Barcelona’s refusal to take part.

“I feel sad because this recognition does not happen very often,” De la Fuente said. “But they are celebrated a great deal because they receive appreciation wherever they go. If you are not honoured in your own home, you will be honoured somewhere else.”