As the World Cup final approaches on Sunday, EU Sport Commissioner Glenn Micallef has thrown his weight behind La Roja, calling Spain the tournament's strongest side. Speaking in a video statement, Micallef praised the team's performance and said the expanded 48-team format had proven its worth.
"The format worked," Micallef said. "The tournament has shown the improvement of football worldwide, but the best talent and best football is still being played in Europe. That makes me proud."
Spain's path to the final has been marked by dominant displays, including a 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals — a result that spoiled Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. The team, managed by Luis de la Fuente, has combined technical precision with defensive solidity, conceding only two goals in the tournament.
Expanded World Cup: A European Perspective
The decision to expand the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams was controversial, with critics arguing it would dilute quality and increase player fatigue. Micallef, however, sees the expansion as a net positive. "It has given more nations the chance to compete on the biggest stage, and the level of play has been impressive," he said.
European teams have historically dominated the World Cup, with Germany, France, Italy, and Spain among the winners. This year, Spain's run has been particularly notable for the emergence of young talents like Lamine Yamal, whose home in Barcelona was targeted by burglars during the France match — a stark reminder of the pressures faced by modern athletes.
Micallef's comments come as the European Union continues to invest in sport as a tool for social cohesion and economic growth. The Commission's Erasmus+ programme funds grassroots football initiatives across the continent, and the EU has also backed projects to improve military mobility — a parallel effort to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy.
Spain's Footballing Renaissance
Spain's success on the pitch mirrors broader trends in the country. Inflation has steadied at 3.2%, and the government has pushed through an amnesty law that could allow former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont to return — a move recently backed by the Court of Justice of the European Union. Football, however, remains a unifying force in a country often divided by regional politics.
The final, to be played at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, will see Spain face either Argentina or Croatia. Micallef's endorsement of Spain as the "strongest team" is likely to resonate with fans across Europe, many of whom see the tournament as a showcase for the continent's enduring footballing excellence.
"Europe has always been the cradle of football," Micallef added. "This World Cup proves that our clubs, our academies, and our national teams continue to set the standard."
