Spain left-back Marc Cucurella has made a stunning promise ahead of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final against Argentina, saying he will retire from international football if La Roja win their second World Cup title, French newspaper L’EQUIPE reports.
The 27-year-old, who has been one of Spain’s standout players throughout the tournament, said winning both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup would leave him with nothing left to achieve in international football.
According to L’EQUIPE, Cucurella said in an interview: “If we win the World Cup, I will call Luis the next day and tell him not to count on me anymore, that I am leaving the national team. Considering the European Championships and the World Championships, I can’t do better.”
The Real Madrid defender was an ever-present for Spain at the World Cup, playing every minute of the team’s seven matches, as Luis de la Fuente’s side reached the final having conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.
Cucurella, who was also a key member of Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, believes winning the World Cup would be the perfect way to end his international journey despite being just 27 years old.
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The defender also promised another memorable tribute if Spain beat Argentina, saying he would get a tattoo of head coach Luis de la Fuente.
“I would get a small tattoo of Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s face on my bicep if we wanted to win the World Cup,” he said, according to Fox Sports. The bold statements continue a trend for Cucurella, who has never shied away from eye-catching promises. Earlier in his career, the Barcelona academy graduate said he would rather shave his head than play for Real Madrid. However, the left-back joined Los Blancos in June this year and kept his hair.
Cucurella is not the only Spanish player to greet the event with unusual promises. Teen sensation Lamin Yamal also promised to grow a “full beard and mustache within three weeks” if Spain emerge victorious on Sunday.
Spain will be looking to become world champions for only the second time in their history when they face reigning finalists Argentina. The final also provides an opportunity for Luis de la Fuente’s side to add the World Cup crown to the European Championship they won in 2024.
For Cucurella, who has already enjoyed success at the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid, winning the UEFA Conference League, the FIFA Club World Cup and the European Championship, Sunday’s final could be the crowning achievement of his career – and, if his promise comes true, the end of his international journey with Spain.