NEW DELHI: Spain’s celebrations after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 have caught the attention of football fans across the world. In addition to the usual scenes of joy, hugs, applause and trophy celebrations, a moment stood out in the New York New Jersey Stadium, officially known as MetLife Stadium. After beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to lift their second World Cup title, several Spain players were seen cutting pieces of the goal net and taking them home as souvenirs.
Spain borrows a famous tradition of basketball
The unusual celebration came after substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the final in the 106th minute to seal a historic win over defending champions Argentina.Once the celebrations began, the Spanish players borrowed one of basketball’s most famous traditions, tearing down the goal nets.
The pieces of the network have become personal memories, marking one of the greatest achievements of his career.
Where did the tradition begin?
Cutting down the nets is a long-standing basketball tradition that began in the US state of Indiana.At the beginning of the 20th century, winning teams began to take home nets as souvenirs to remember championship victories. The tradition became famous in 1947, when North Carolina State coach Everett Case celebrated his team’s Southern Conference Tournament title by climbing on the backs of his players and cutting a portion of the basket net.
Case spent 23 years coaching high school basketball in his home state of Indiana, winning four state championships before joining North Carolina State in 1946.After leading NC State to the Southern Conference Tournament title in 1947, Case cut down the net as a memento of the victory. The gesture quickly became one of the most iconic traditions of championship basketball and is now seen regularly during the NCAA tournaments and other major competitions.
Spain’s players have brought the tradition to soccer’s biggest stage, turning the goal net into a lasting reminder of their World Cup triumph at MetLife Stadium after defeating Argentina in the 2026 final.
Spain dominates 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
Spain were crowned world champions for only the second time in their history after a dominant performance against Argentina.Although the scoreline was only 1-0, Luis de la Fuente’s team controlled the game from start to finish. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a string of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest before Ferran Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross into his path.