NEW DELHI: Spain’s celebrations after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 have caught the attention of football fans across the world. Apart from the usual scenes of joy, hugs, joy and celebrating the trophy, 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 Spanish players were seen cutting pieces of the goal net and taking them home as souvenirs.
Spain borrows a famous basketball tradition
The incredible celebration came after substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the final in the 106th minute to seal the historic victory over defending champions Argentina.As the celebrations began, Spain’s players borrowed one of basketball’s most famous traditions by cutting down the goal nets.
The pieces of the net became personal memories, marking one of the biggest achievements of their careers.
Where did the tradition begin?
Cutting the nets is a long-standing basketball tradition that began in the US state of Indiana.In the early 20th century, winning teams began taking 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 shoulders of his players and cutting part 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 souvenir of the victory. The move quickly became one of basketball’s most iconic championship traditions and is now a regular fixture in the NCAA tournament and other major competitions.
Spain’s players carried the tradition onto football’s biggest stage, turning the goal net into a lasting reminder of their World Cup victory at MetLife Stadium after beating Argentina in the 2026 final.
Spain dominates FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Spain was crowned world champion for the second time in their history after a dominant performance against Argentina.Even though the scoreline was only 1-0, Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the game from start to finish. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest before Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro’s cross into his path.