Spain Stars Make Fun Promises Before Big World Cup Final

Spain Is Feeling the Pressure

Spain is a country that plays soccer (called football in most places). Right now, their men’s team is feeling a lot of pressure. Why? Because they really want to win the FIFA World Cup — the biggest soccer tournament in the world — for only the second time ever.

On Sunday, they will play the final match against Argentina. The game will happen at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Two of Spain’s players, Lamine Yamal and Marc Cucurella, have added even more pressure on themselves by making funny promises.

Marc Cucurella’s Big Promises

Marc Cucurella is a 27-year-old player who helps defend the goal (we call this a "full back"). In an interview with a YouTuber called El Partidazo de COPE, he said some wild things if Spain wins:

• He would get a little tattoo of the Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s face on his arm muscle (bicep).
• He would also retire from the national team (stop playing for Spain).
• He said: "With the Euro and World Cup trophies, you can’t ask for more." (The Euro is another big soccer tournament for European teams.)

Important Point: Cucurella is known for making these kinds of statements! He once said he would rather shave his head bald than play for Real Madrid (a famous soccer club). He grew up in FC Barcelona’s youth school called La Masia. But guess what? He will play for Real Madrid next season — and he still has all his hair!

(Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)

Lamine Yamal Joins the Fun

Lamine Yamal is a teenage soccer superstar for Spain. He did not want to be left out, so he made his own promise:

• If Spain wins, he will grow a full beard and mustache for three weeks.
• Yamal has been clean-shaven (no facial hair) ever since he started playing professionally at just 15 years old in 2023.

Why These Promises Are a Big Deal

Usually, people only do silly things like this if they lose a bet. But for Cucurella and Yamal, doing these things would actually mean something amazing happened:

• A tattoo of the coach’s face? Means Spain won.
• Retiring with two big trophies? Means Spain won.
• A beard on a always-clean teen? Means Spain won.

Important Point: Any of these promises coming true would show that Spain achieved something historic — winning the World Cup for only the second time.

How to Watch the Final

Here is how you can watch the big game:

1. Match: Spain vs. Argentina
2. Event: 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
3. Date: Sunday
4. Time: 3 p.m. ET (Eastern Time)
5. Where to watch: On FOX and FOX One
6. Location: New York New Jersey Stadium

Summary

Spain is under huge pressure to win its second men’s World Cup. Players Marc Cucurella and Lamine Yamal made funny promises (a coach tattoo, retirement, and a beard) if they win the final against Argentina. Cucurella has a history of wild talk but still has his hair despite joining Real Madrid. The final is on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

FAQ

Q: Who is Spain playing in the World Cup final?
A: Spain is playing against Argentina.

Q: What did Cucurella promise to do if Spain wins?
A: He promised a small tattoo of coach Luis de la Fuente’s face on his arm and to retire from the national team.

Q: Why is Yamal’s promise special?
A: He has been clean-shaven since age 15, so growing a beard for three weeks would be a big change.

Q: Where can I watch the match?
A: You can watch it on FOX and FOX One at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.