In 2017, a mentor and his student debated football in the same classroom; now, they face off in the most prestigious final in world football. The FIFA World Cup final will feature a strategic contest between Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni and Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente. Back in 2017, during the UEFA Pro Licence course, de la Fuente was the mentor while Scaloni was his student. De la Fuente’s Spain is known for a possession-based style, whereas Scaloni’s Argentina is praised for its adaptability to situations, switching tactics as needed.
July 18, Kathmandu – On Monday morning in New Jersey, the selection of the team to lift the World Cup trophy will hinge not only on talented players but also on a pivotal strategic battle between two coaches. The relationship between Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Scaloni in the Argentina vs. Spain final transcends mere rivalry; it is also that of mentor and student. During the UEFA Pro Licence coaching course organized by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in 2017, Scaloni was a student under de la Fuente, the current coach of Spain. At that time, Scaloni was one of the most inquisitive students, seated in the front row and actively questioning and debating ideas. “Even when others sat in the back, Scaloni was always upfront. He constantly debated, asked questions, and shared his own viewpoints,” de la Fuente recalled in an interview. “There was something unique about him even then.”
Other participants in that class included former Spanish internationals Pablo Orbigo, Carlos Gurpegi, Pierluigi Cherinbino, and Andoni Iraola. They all remember de la Fuente’s classroom as more than just instruction—it was a forum for open discussion about football. Scaloni was the most engaged and active attendee.
De la Fuente’s Journey: From Youth Teams to the World Cup Final
At 64, Luis de la Fuente had spent nearly a decade coaching Spanish youth teams before taking charge of the senior squad. In 2015, he led Spain to the UEFA Under-19 European Championship with future stars such as Rodri, Mikel Merino, and Unai Simón in the squad. He then guided the under-21 team to victory in the 2018 European Championship and secured a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. After replacing Luis Enrique as the senior team coach in 2022, de la Fuente restored Spain to the top of European football.
Under his guidance, Spain won the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024. Now, he aims to bring the World Cup trophy back to Spain for the first time in 16 years.
In contrast, Scaloni’s journey has been remarkable. After being appointed interim coach following the 2018 World Cup, many criticized him for perceived inexperience. Previously, he had served as an assistant coach at Spanish club Sevilla and under Jorge Sampaoli. However, in eight years, he transformed Argentina’s football history. His leadership helped Argentina win the Copa América 2021, the 2022 Finalissima between European and South American champions, the FIFA World Cup 2022, and the 2024 Copa América. Currently aiming for a consecutive World Cup title, a win would place Scaloni among the most successful coaches in modern football history.
The pivotal strength of both coaches lies in player management. Former players who studied under de la Fuente recall him as “consistently the same person.” “His behavior on the first day was exactly how he acted thousands of days later,” Orbigo notes. Scaloni’s classmates share similar views. “We knew back then he wasn’t there just to get a license; he was truly studying to become a coach,” Gurpegi said.
De la Fuente’s Spain relies on ball possession, short passes, high pressing, and swift attacks. Scaloni’s Argentina, meanwhile, is flexible, capable of controlling the ball, launching counterattacks, and showing strong mental resilience under pressure.
From debating football in the same classroom in 2017 to deciding the most coveted title in world football today, the mentor and pupil now face each other on football’s biggest stage. Then, they had notebooks before them; now, they will have the World Cup trophy. After 90 minutes—or additional time and penalties if required—football will determine not only the new world champion but also which strategic approach proved victorious.
