Princess Leonor and Infanta
Sofia watch the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina © Casa
de S.M. el Rey
Spain dominated at the FIFA World Cup final Sunday evening,
securing victory in overtime against Argentina, 1-0, taking the
trophy after 16 years. They did it in the presence of Spain’s
football good luck charm: Infanta Sofía.
The second-in-line to the Spanish throne was in the stadium
alongside King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor; but of
her immediate family members, she’s the only one who has cheered on
Spain to victory at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and the Euros in
2024.
Queen Letizia
and Infanta Sofía joined
Infanta Sofía joined the Women’s World Cup champs for their victory
scrum after their victory in 2023; and in 2024, she and King
Felipe were on hand
to celebrate Spain’s triumph at the Euro final in
Berlin—watching the match with another royal football fan,
Prince William.
As we reported at Royal Central
back in 2025: “In many ways, [Infanta Sofía’s] passion
reflects the shifting dynamics of Spanish society. In a country
where football was long seen as the exclusive domain of men, the
rise of the women’s game—growing steadily in visibility and
prestige—has opened new spaces of identification for young people
like Sofía. And it’s telling that she seems drawn to that side of
the sport. Her enthusiasm appears to lie with the national women’s
team and Liga F, still in development but already producing stars
who transcend the game itself.”
The entire Spanish Royal Family were in New Jersey for the World
Cup final, marking the first time King Felipe, Queen Letizia,
Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia had travelled together outside of
Spain on official business like this.
King Felipe and Queen
Letizia watch the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina ©
Casa de S.M. el Rey
In a pre-game interview with TVE, King Felipe said: “We’re
nervous, but we’re also confident because this team is captivating
us again, just like previous teams did in 2010. I think we’re going
to see a spectacular final between two sister nations, two
incredible teams. It will be a great spectacle.”
Prescient words from King Felipe, who attended Spain’s first
match on 27 June against Uruguay and told the team in their locker
room: “I hope to return, because if I do, it will be because
you are in the final.”
Spain previously won the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Next year,
Brazil will play host to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the
Spanish women’s team will attempt to hang onto their champion
title.
The
Spanish Royal Court shared a message from King Felipe after the
win: “This star is the reward for a path as long as it has been
demanding, traveled with effort, sacrifice, perseverance, and
exemplary commitment in every match. You have faced each challenge
with the conviction of a great team and have carried the name of
Spain to the very top.
“Congratulations to the players, the coaching staff, and all
the fans. Today we celebrate a title; tomorrow we will remember a
legend.”