Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente waves after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Spain's World Cup-winning coach Luis de la Fuente said on Thursday that helping unite the country was one of the aspects of Sunday's triumph over Argentina that made him most proud.

"Seeing people happy makes me happier than myself. Seeing a united country, knowing that together we achieve more-that's not just my own saying, it's a great source of pride," De la Fuente said in an interview with Spanish state broadcaster RTVE.

Ferran Torres' extra-time goal decided a final that Spain dominated from start to finish, securing the country's second World Cup title and sparking jubilant celebrations.

Although the final took place five days ago, De la Fuente admitted he had still not fully processed his team's achievement.

"I still need more days to process it, and I think I'm starting to understand," he commented, before strongly criticizing the violent reaction of several Argentine players after the final whistle, describing it as "intolerable and unacceptable from players of that caliber."

However, De la Fuente was proud that his own players were not drawn into the confrontation.

"They maintained their composure at all times, like good sportsmen and footballers," said De la Fuente, who attributed the team's conduct to the strong sense of unity within the squad.

"We truly feel like one big family. We've been together for 52 days ... without a single problem, and that goes far beyond the purely professional; there's a feeling there that goes much deeper," the coach explained.

De la Fuente also praised captain and midfielder Rodri Hernandez and winger Lamine Yamal, describing Rodri as "the best in the world in his position."

Although Yamal was not at his best throughout the tournament, the coach said the World Cup represented "a qualitative leap in his development as a footballer."

"He's already fantastic, but at 19, he has to continue growing and maturing. This World Cup has allowed him to experience that other kind of football, one of sacrifice for the team ... this will make him a greater and better player," he insisted.