The president of the RFEF speaks with AS from New York’s Fifth Avenue, hours before the big final between Spain and Argentina.

DIARIO AS

World Cup 2026

”I want De la Fuente to be the leader of the 2030 World Cup”

José Félix Díaz

Update: Jul 18th, 2026 14:06 EDT

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Rafael Louzán is torn between happiness and concern. The reason for the first is obvious. The second comes from trying to keep up with the flood of commitments arriving from Spain.

“We’re experiencing the greatest moment of joy we’ve seen in decades in terms of the number of people following us from Spain and from around the world. I also believe we’ve taken a giant step forward in strengthening the image of Spain, Spanish soccer and the Spain brand in the United States and across the world,” he told AS from New York’s Fifth Avenue.

Whatever happens, history has already been made...

“Without a doubt, the success has been overwhelming. Of course, we want to finish the job, and I believe we’re in a position to do it because there’s enormous confidence. Anything can happen in 90 minutes, but the belief is there.

“It’s only the second time in history we’ve reached this point, but from what you’re saying, we’ve done it even more convincingly than in 2010. Spain’s performances have improved game by game. Against France we played an almost perfect game. The team has grown throughout the tournament and reached its peak with that performance.”

”I want De la Fuente to be the leader of the 2030 World Cup” — Rafael Louzan meets with Jose Feliz Diaz, AS Editorial Director, 17/07/26DIARIO AS

Leading it all is Luis de la Fuente...

“There have never been any doubts about Luis de la Fuente, and now there are even fewer. Never. I think everyone sees it that way. Every decision and every calculation has been spot on.

“Luis reads each game brilliantly and, above all, by learning from the previous one, he already has the blueprint for the next and knows exactly how to arrange the pieces. He’s a master, as well as being a ten-out-of-ten person.

“We’re delighted with him and his entire staff because they’re genuine, humble, hard-working people. Soccer changes quickly, but we can certainly imagine De la Fuente being here for a long time. His contract says as much.

“I also had the privilege of overseeing his important, necessary and deserved contract extension. Now we’ll try, as much as possible, to strengthen that relationship even further and extend it with the Federation. It was actually very easy. I’m proud of how he helped us reach a good agreement at the time.

“We have another date with history now, but we also have one in 2030, and I’d love for Luis to be part of that moment.”

Why are some sections of the Spanish media so determined to undermine Spain’s 2030 World Cup?

“What we need to do when facing a challenge as huge as hosting a World Cup, like the one the United States, Mexico and Canada have organized here, is present a fully united bid.

“This isn’t about one country. We’re talking about three continents and six countries working together with FIFA and, I hope, with the Spanish government also joining in to help lead a bid that Spain already heads, carrying 55% of the overall responsibility.

“Of course, there’s one issue everyone is talking about and will continue talking about: where the final will be played. Right now, though, it’s not something we can address.

“I have absolutely no doubt there’s no justification for Spain not hosting the final of the Centenary World Cup. That’s what we’ll work toward, while also delivering the best World Cup ever with a completely united bid. We all have a role to play if we’re going to stage the greatest World Cup in history as we celebrate the tournament’s centenary.”

Is Spain working hand in hand with FIFA?

“FIFA is the benchmark. They deserve congratulations because this World Cup has been a success.

“There were doubts about expanding the tournament to 48 teams. Those doubts have completely disappeared, and now people are even asking whether the future could be 48 or 64 teams. That’s the reality.

“We have to recognize the tremendous success in attendance, television audiences and overall numbers. The facts speak for themselves.

“Our challenge now is to meet an extremely high standard. We’ll see if we’re capable of surpassing it. I hope we are because we have tremendous organizational capacity.”

A World Cup shaped by Gianni Infantino, who is heading into elections as the clear favorite.

“He was already the favorite before the World Cup because, at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, he announced he would stand for re-election. Spain immediately expressed its support.

“That said, the proper procedures have to be followed. We have to respect the timeline, the process and any other circumstances that may arise. That’s what happened in Vancouver.”

This World Cup represents a major financial boost for the Federation.

“We’ll evaluate all the financial figures once the tournament is over to see exactly where we stand.

“Our objective here has been to come to the World Cup and produce Spain’s greatest-ever tournament. We’re on course to achieve that. Alongside what was accomplished in 2010, I even believe we’ve done it with greater authority, particularly in terms of the soccer we’ve played.

“Over these more than 40 days, we’ve managed to ensure that nothing distracted from the national team itself – the players, the coaching staff, the doctors, the physiotherapists. Everyone in the delegation has worked together.

“We remember the players and coaches, but the entire delegation has been one big family. That’s something to be proud of, including all our colleagues in the media and everyone’s families.

“Together we’ve reached a final between two Spanish-speaking nations, Spain and Argentina. We’ve helped unite a great country called Spain, bringing together its more than 40 million people and millions more around the world.

“So there’s enormous satisfaction, and above all I want to thank the players, the coaches and everyone I’ve just mentioned for their commitment. We’ve all been focused on every detail right through to the final day.”

And the final obstacle is Lionel Messi...

“This has been a World Cup full of moments that will be remembered forever.

“It’s true that Lionel Messi will probably once again be one of the defining figures of the tournament, leading Argentina and taking responsibility for such a great national team, backed by their incredible fans.

“Argentina’s victories have come through dramatic finishes, and all you can do is applaud them, respect them and appreciate icons like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“The legacy they’re leaving behind is extraordinary, and both of them have also been hugely important figures in Spanish soccer through their years in La Liga.”