EXPLAINED: Why Spain players cut the goal nets after winning World Cup
Following their 2026 FIFA World Cup victory, Spain's players cut down the goal nets as souvenirs, adopting a tradition popularized in American basketball. The act serves as a symbolic marker of their historic win at MetLife Stadium.
Why it matters
This highlights the cross-pollination of cultural traditions between different sports and the global influence of American sports customs.
NEW DELHI: Spain's celebrations after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 caught the attention of football fans around the world. Apart from the usual scenes of joy, hugs, cheers and trophy celebrations, one moment stood out at the New York New Jersey Stadium, officially known as MetLife Stadium. After beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to lift their second World Cup title, several Spain players were seen cutting pieces of the goal net and taking them home as souvenirs.Spain borrow a famous basketball traditionThe unusual celebration came after substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the final in the 106th minute to seal a historic victory over defending champions Argentina.Once the celebrations began, Spain's players borrowed one of basketball's most famous traditions by cutting down the goal nets.The pieces of the net became personal keepsakes, marking one of the biggest achievements of their careers.Where did the tradition begin?Cutting down…
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