By Emeka Dennar
Former Super Eagles Head Coach Finidi George has hailed Spain as worthy champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attributing La Roja’s dominance to a deeply ingrained football philosophy that sets them apart from the rest of the world.
Spain clinched their second World Cup trophy on Sunday in New Jersey, defeating Argentina in extra time courtesy of a 106th-minute strike from substitute Ferran Torres. Luis de la Fuente’s side thoroughly dominated the final, registering 12 shots on target while starving Argentina of a single shot on goal over 120 minutes.
Speaking exclusively to Exceed Media, the current Rivers United manager, who spent memorable years in La Liga with Real Betis and Mallorca, admitted he was hardly surprised by Spain’s march to glory.
“I think they did exceptionally well,” Finidi said. “Spain is a country with a clear philosophy that never changes, regardless of the opponent. They stick to their possession football—their belief is that the best way to defend is to attack.”
Finidi noted that Spain’s relentless control of the ball mentally and physically wears down opposition teams.
“They keep the ball so well that by the time opponents manage to win it back, they don’t even have the energy left to mount an attack,” he explained. “They won the Euros with essentially the same core of young players, so it’s no surprise they went all the way here. Barring their goalless opener against Cape Verde, they were virtually on fire once key players like Lamine Yamal returned from injury.”
Spain’s campaign was built on an imperious defense that conceded just one goal across eight matches, brushing aside European heavyweights Portugal and France en route to the final.
Much of that balance came courtesy of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s Best Player ahead of Kylian Mbappe (10 goals) and Lionel Messi (8 goals).
Defending the decision to award the top individual prize to a central midfielder over the tournament’s top goalscorers, the former Enyimba coach insisted impact outweighs raw statistics.
“If you judge purely by goals, you give it to Mbappe,” Finidi argued. “But if you look at the game critically, what a player stands for, how he dictates the tempo, and how he leads his teammates to the ultimate title, it has to go to the winning side.”
“Rodri managed himself brilliantly, controlled the game’s rhythm, and led Spain to the trophy. Ultimately, winning the championship gave him the leverage he deserved,” Finidi added.
Spain swept the individual honors at the tournament, with Unai Simon taking home the Golden Glove after keeping seven clean sheets in eight games, while 19-year-old Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi was named the tournament’s Best Young Player.
