Lionel Scaloni vs Luis de la Fuente: Student faces master in World Cup final
The 2026 World Cup final features a unique narrative as Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni faces his former coaching instructor, Spain's Luis de la Fuente. The two share a professional history dating back to a 2017 coaching course in Spain.
Why it matters
The personal connection between the two managers adds a compelling human-interest layer to the high-stakes sporting final.
Football World Championship Lionel Scaloni vs Luis de la Fuente: Student faces master in World Cup final Lionel Scaloni vs Luis de la Fuente: Student faces master in World Cup final Anna Carreau Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente go further back than most managers Photo par EVRIM AYDIN / ANADOLU / ANADOLU VIA AFP On Sunday, the World Cup final will see Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina take on Luis de la Fuente’s Spain. It’s a global showdown with a sense of reunion: back in 2017, the Roja coach was teaching tactics to a newly retired Scaloni on the benches of the Spanish federation.
On Sunday at MetLife Stadium, the student will face his master for the most prestigious title in world football.
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