New Delhi: Spain’s celebrations after winning the 2026 World Cup captured the attention of fans across the world. Beyond the usual scenes of joy, hugs, cheers and trophy celebrations, one moment at New York-New Jersey Stadium (formally known as MetLife Stadium) stood out. 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 and taking it home as souvenirs.
Spain borrows famous basketball tradition
The unusual celebrations came after substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the final in the 106th minute to give defending champions Argentina a historic win.As the celebrations began, Spanish players borrowed one of basketball’s most famous traditions and chopped down the goal net.
These online fragments became personal mementos that marked one of the greatest achievements of their careers.
Where did this tradition begin?
Cutting down the net is a long-standing basketball tradition that began in Indiana, USA.In the early 20th century, winning teams began taking home nets as souvenirs of their championship victories. The tradition became famous in 1947, when N.C. State coach Everett Case climbed on a player’s shoulders and chopped off part of the net to celebrate his team’s Southern Conference championship.
Case coached high school basketball in his native Indiana for 23 years, winning four state championships, before joining North Carolina State University in 1946.After leading N.C. State to the Southern Conference championship in 1947, Keys cut down the net as a souvenir of the victory. The gesture quickly became one of basketball’s most iconic championship traditions and is now seen regularly during the NCAA tournament and other major games.
Spain’s players have brought that tradition to football’s biggest stage, with their goal becoming a permanent reminder of their World Cup victory at MetLife Stadium after defeating Argentina in the 2026 final.
Spain dominates 2026 World Cup Final
Spain performed well against Argentina and were crowned world champions for the second time in history.Although the score was only 1-0, Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the game from start to finish. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a series of excellent saves to help his team stay in the game. Ferran Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute when Nico Williams headed in Pedro Polo’s cross.
