As Spain prepares to embark on its 2026 World CupCompetition·World Cup campaign, defender Marc CucurellaPlayer·Marc Cucurella has revealed a rather unconventional source of inspiration: his wife's pyjama top. The 27-year-old ChelseaTeam·Chelsea player, who was instrumental in Spain's Euro 2024Competition·Euro 2024 victory, is hoping this peculiar lucky charm will bring similar good fortune on the global stage.
Cucurella's role in Spain's European Championship success was notable, particularly his assist for Mikel OyarzabalPlayer·Mikel Oyarzabal's late winner against EnglandTeam·England in the final. His journey through the tournament was also marked by moments of fortune, including a crucial decision in the quarter-final against Germany where a potential handball in the box during extra time went unpunished, with Spain ultimately scoring the decisive goal in the 119th minute. Spain then advanced to defeat France in the semi-finals before lifting the trophy in Berlin.
Speaking to Marca, Cucurella shared the details of his personal talismans.
"I’ve got some key-rings that my children made for me," Marc Cucurella told Marca. "I’m also taking my wife’s pyjama top, which she wore when she was with me during the European Championship, and I’ve packed it in my suitcase again to see if it brings the same luck."
Such superstitions are not uncommon in the world of elite football. Argentina's Lionel MessiPlayer·Lionel Messi is known for wearing a red ribbon around his left ankle during World Cups, while Portugal's Cristiano RonaldoPlayer·Cristiano Ronaldo, participating in a record sixth tournament alongside Messi, carries an old coin gifted by his grandfather.
Spain, a nation that secured its sole World CupCompetition·World Cup title in 2010 by overcoming the NetherlandsTeam·Netherlands in extra time, will commence its Group H fixtures against Cape Verde on Monday in Atlanta. Their group stage journey will continue with matches against Saudi Arabia and UruguayTeam·Uruguay. Despite their European success, Spain has struggled in recent World Cups, exiting at the group stage in 2014 and the round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022. The squad will be aiming for a deeper run this time, though concerns linger over the fitness of young talent Lamine YamalPlayer·Lamine Yamal ahead of their opening match.
Underlining the team's confidence and high expectations, Cucurella has reportedly joked in Spanish media that he would get a tattoo of coach Luis de la FuenteCoach·Luis de la Fuente’s face if Spain were to win the World CupCompetition·World Cup, a testament to the camaraderie and ambition within the squad.
Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal celebrates a goal with Marc Cucurella during a friendly match. ZUMA Press Wire/IMAGO
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