Sanchez: The team spirit is the strength of "La Roja".

Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish socialist Prime Minister, praised the unity of the national football team, a divisive figure among his citizens, on Sunday in an opinion piece published in the newspaper "El País," just hours before their match against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final.

The leader, who has faced scandals and investigations involving close associates, including his brother and wife, which have significantly harmed his popularity and image, wrote: "On Sunday, 26 of our compatriots will defend the colors of Spain in the World Cup final against Argentina in front of a global audience."

The head of government, who will attend the final match between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium near New York alongside King Felipe VI, praised the "philosophy that allowed Spain to learn to win" in 2010 when it claimed its first and only title, speaking of "talent and... skill," but also, above all, about "solidarity and... team spirit."

Sánchez added: "This is the Spanish team that captivates hearts, with the collective and bold style of play that defines us. And also with the values that characterize our country," expressing pride in Spain "that bets on collective talent to win and presents itself to the world as the beloved and respected country that it is."

The Spanish official continued: "On Sunday, the boys and girls who dream of emulating Rodri or Oyarzabal or Cucurella (players of the Spanish national team) will set the rhythm of our country's pulse. And we will all be one, led by the spirit of camaraderie that (coach) Luis de la Fuente has instilled in this unique team."

Spain winning its second world title could allow the Prime Minister to temporarily close the chapter on the legal troubles that haunt him.

On Thursday, a court confirmed that his wife, Begoña Gómez, will face charges related to abuse of power and embezzlement of public funds.

Sánchez has also recently witnessed the conviction of his brother David, who has been barred from holding any public office for nine years after using his older brother's influence to secure a job within a public administration.

At the end of June, his former transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for corruption.

Since May, his socialist predecessor at the head of the Spanish government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011 and is a highly respected figure within the left, has also been charged with abuse of power in exchange for bribes.