Real Madrid Narrowly Avoid Breaking 28-Year World Cup Final Streak—Or Did They?
Real Madrid's signing of Marc Cucurella has ensured the club's representation in the World Cup final for the eighth consecutive time. Cucurella, a former Chelsea left back, is the only Real Madrid player participating in the final. His presence maintains the streak, which dates back to 1998, after a brief period where the club had no representation in the 1990 and 1994 finals.
Prior to Cucurella's signing, Spain's 2026 World Cup roster did not include any Real Madrid players, marking a first in the team's tournament history. However, the transfer was announced just before the start of the World Cup, securing Real Madrid's presence in the final.
The validity of Cucurella's status as a Real Madrid player is contested, as FIFA still considers him a Chelsea player for the 2025-26 season. The World Cup is part of this season, and Cucurella's transfer to Real Madrid was not finalized until after the tournament began. Despite this, Real Madrid has treated Cucurella as one of their own for the past month.
Prior to Cucurella's signing, Spain's 2026 World Cup roster did not include any Real Madrid players, marking a first in the team's tournament history. However, the transfer was announced just before the start of the World Cup, securing Real Madrid's presence in the final.
The validity of Cucurella's status as a Real Madrid player is contested, as FIFA still considers him a Chelsea player for the 2025-26 season. The World Cup is part of this season, and Cucurella's transfer to Real Madrid was not finalized until after the tournament began. Despite this, Real Madrid has treated Cucurella as one of their own for the past month.
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