Spain’s defence stands as a key factor in their bid to secure the World Cup title for the first time since 2010, as they prepare to face Argentina in the final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The Spanish team has conceded only one goal in seven matches, marking one of the strongest defensive records in recent tournament history. A clean sheet in the final would set a new benchmark for the fewest goals allowed in a World Cup-winning run, surpassing the current record of two, held jointly by France (1998), Italy (2006), and Spain (2010).
Luis de la Fuente's squad has impressed with a balanced approach, blending midfield creativity with defensive solidity. While the midfield trio of Rodri, Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Fabian Ruiz have captured much attention for their control of the game, it is Spain’s back four that has provided the foundation for their success. The defensive lineup features Real Madrid’s new left-back Marc Cucurella, centre-backs Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi, and right-back Pedro Porro.
Cucurella, 27, who recently joined Real Madrid following spells in the English Premier League with Brighton and Chelsea, has emphasized the importance of maintaining defensive discipline. “Great teams are the ones that dominate both penalty areas,” he noted. “The fewer goals you concede, the better your chances of winning.”
At the heart of the defence, the experienced Laporte, 32, and the young Barcelona prospect Cubarsi, 19, have formed a particularly effective partnership. Laporte, a France-born defender with extensive top-level experience including over five years at Manchester City, has praised Cubarsi’s maturity and talent despite his youth. “He’s a fantastic player... Time will tell, but he’s got real quality,” said Laporte.
Cubarsi, whose lone defensive lapse came during the quarter-final victory over Belgium when he was beaten by a Charles De Ketelaere header, has demonstrated confident and aggressive play. “I like being imposing and aggressive,” he said. “You can’t let yourself be taken out of the game. Above all, you need that character to be a difference-maker.”
Spain’s coach de la Fuente has highlighted Laporte’s role as a key component of the team’s style, describing him as “a very complete player” whose leadership and ball distribution help initiate attacks from the back. “He offers us great ball distribution, threads passes through the lines, and possesses real authority,” the coach remarked.
The right-back position has seen the emergence of Porro as an unexpected standout performer. Despite being overlooked for the 2024 European Championship squad and enduring a challenging club season with Tottenham Hotspur, Porro has risen to the occasion on the World Cup stage. He contributed offensively with a well-crafted goal during Spain’s 2-0 quarter-final win over France. Porro expressed his admiration for the 2010 Spanish World Cup team and his hopes of recreating that sense of national unity and achievement. “That World Cup... was spectacular, especially for the way it united the country,” he said.
As Sunday’s final approaches, Spain’s defensive resilience will be tested against Argentina’s attacking prowess led by Lionel Messi, who aims to deliver consecutive World Cup titles. The outcome will hinge significantly on whether Spain’s defence can maintain their imposing form and thwart one of the tournament’s most potent offensive players.