In a BBC column ahead of the World Cup 2026 final, former Chelsea and Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta explains why he believes Spain's consistency and collective mentality make them favourites to beat Argentina on Sunday and win a second World Cup, echoing their 2010 triumph. He argues Spain's strength lies not in individual brilliance but in a settled group identity: whatever the scoreline, the team sticks to its possession-based approach rather than reacting rashly, a trait he says has been evident throughout the tournament.

Azpilicueta points to Spain's Euro 2024 win, a 37-game unbeaten run, and a hard-fought semi-final victory over France as sources of national confidence. He notes Spain drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opener and needed late goals against Portugal and Belgium, yet never abandoned their style, and adds that Spain have not trailed in any of their seven World Cup games so far. He also assesses Argentina's threat, highlighting Lionel Messi's form and praising former Atletico Madrid teammate Julian Alvarez as a versatile, clinical forward capable of scoring from open play in multiple positions.