World Cup final: Scaloni, former teacher De la Fuente share emotional embrace

Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, and Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, shared an emotional embrace on Saturday ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, rekindling a relationship that began nearly a decade ago when one was a teacher and the other a student.

The two coaches met at the FIFA Fanatics event in New York on Friday, marking the first time ahead of a FIFA World Cup final that both finalists jointly engaged with fans before the tournament’s showpiece.

After addressing supporters at the event, Scaloni walked across the stage and hugged De la Fuente in a moment that drew applause from thousands of fans in attendance.

According to SportsStar, the pair’s relationship dates back to 2017 when Scaloni, having just retired from professional football, enrolled for his UEFA Pro coaching licence at the Spanish Football Federation’s academy in Las Rozas. De la Fuente was one of the instructors on the course.

On Sunday, however, the friendship will temporarily give way to fierce rivalry as Argentina and Spain battle for the World Cup trophy.

Speaking ahead of the final, Scaloni acknowledged his long-standing relationship with the Spain coach but said both managers understood each other’s football philosophy.

“He knows me personally, but he doesn’t know what I’m thinking about football,” Scaloni said with a smile.

“Both of us know how the other plays. Each team tries to attack, enjoy possession and become stronger with the ball. I hope Sunday’s game will be a good show and people will be entertained.”

De la Fuente also spoke warmly of his former student, describing their meeting in the final as a source of pride.

“We are great competitors, and we are happy to face each other,” he said.

“We have huge admiration for each other. Lionel Scaloni and I share many concepts, values and principles that drive our teams.”

Scaloni dismissed suggestions that Argentina’s experience of playing in previous World Cup finals would give the South Americans an advantage over Spain.

“Spain is a tough team,” he said.

“They have played a Euro final and a Nations League final under Luis. I don’t think it favours us because we have played a World Cup final before.”

Scaloni guided Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, while De la Fuente has led Spain to UEFA Euro 2024 and UEFA Nations League success, establishing both coaches among the most successful managers in international football.

Sunday’s final will see a mentor and former student compete for football’s biggest prize, with their mutual respect expected to resume once the final whistle blows.