21.07.2026 11:20
Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup victory drew attention when Marc Cucurella secretly buried a coin on the pitch. This lucky ritual was inherited from former national player Joan Capdevila.
A striking detail emerged following Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup victory. Marc Cucurella was spotted secretly burying a coin on the pitch seconds before the final match began. This curious move was revealed to be the same good-luck ritual performed by former national player Joan Capdevila before Spain's 2010 World Cup win.
Earlier, Capdevila, who had asked US President Donald Trump for help with an ESTA visa to watch Spain's World Cup final against Argentina, recorded from the stands the moment Cucurella pulled a coin from his sock and buried it in the grass.
After Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup, Capdevila revealed on social media platform X that he had requested this secret move. The former left-back recalled performing the same ritual before the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, where they beat the Netherlands.
"In 2010, I buried a coin in the grass before the match started. I've told this story millions of times," said Capdevila. "Yesterday, I asked Marc to do the same. Marc, I love you so much. You are now a World Champion!"
Capdevila also shared a video of Cucurella performing the ritual. The footage shows the Spanish defender looking around to make sure no one is watching during warm-ups. He then quietly buries the coin from his sock into the grass and quickly returns to his teammates.
The 48-year-old Capdevila started all seven matches for the Spanish national team under coach Vicente del Bosque in the 2010 World Cup. He was also notable as the only player in that final's starting lineup who did not play for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
He had asked for help from Trump
Before the final, Capdevila publicly shared his visa issue, appealing to the US Customs and Border Protection, Donald Trump, and the Spanish Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports.
In a social media post, he said, "I need help @realDonaldTrump. I was told I cannot go to the final with my children because my ESTA application was denied."
Asking his followers for help, Capdevila added, "I was so excited to be in the stands with my 2010 teammates and this great team. I can't believe I'm not being let into the US and will miss this moment with my children, who love football."
In a later interview with Spanish radio station COPE, the former player said he believed the issue stemmed from a 2016 exhibition match in Iran with La Liga legends.
It is known that under the US State Department's ESTA program, individuals who traveled to Iran after March 1, 2011, are not eligible for visa waiver. Therefore, these individuals must apply for a standard visa to enter the US.
Finally entered the US
After all that happened, Capdevila managed to reach MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Upon arriving at the stadium, he expressed his joy in a post, saying, "Never give up if you really want something. Go Spain!"
Capdevila took his seat in the stands with his children and witnessed the historic moment for the Spanish national team under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Although Spain struggled against a heavily defensive Argentina, they allowed their opponent only two shots in 120 minutes. Ferran Torres' goal in the second half of extra time decided the match, giving Spain the World Cup championship.
Cucurella became one of the tournament's stars
Marc Cucurella, who transferred from Chelsea to Real Madrid for approximately £60 million just before the tournament started, was one of the most notable figures in Spain's championship journey.
Cucurella, who had said before the final that if Spain won the cup, he would get a tattoo of coach Luis de la Fuente's face on his body, confirmed after the match that he had not abandoned that idea.
"I don't know where to get it yet. I need to think it over carefully. It should be in a visible place because people will constantly ask me about it. A long journey awaits us. I hope people give me good ideas. I'll get the tattoo after some thought," he said.
Had a tense moment with Messi
In the final stages of the match, there was a brief moment of tension between Cucurella and Lionel Messi.
Argentine player Enzo Fernández was sent off with a second yellow card for a hard tackle on Pau Cubarsí, while Cucurella was seen covering his mouth while speaking with Messi.
Messi objected to the referee, citing FIFA's new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during arguments with referees or opponents, and called for Cucurella to be penalized.
However, after the referee and VAR review determined that Cucurella was not speaking angrily, Messi's objection was overruled, and the Spanish defender was not shown any card.