New Delhi: Spain’s celebrations after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 caught the attention of football fans across the world. Apart from the usual displays of joy, hugs, cheers and victory celebrations, another moment appeared at the New York New Jersey Stadium, 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 up the goals and taking them home as souvenirs.
Spain borrows the famous tradition of basketball
A wild celebration ensued after substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute to seal a historic victory over defending champions Argentina.As the festivities began, the Spanish players borrowed one of basketball’s most famous traditions by cutting down the net.
The web pieces became personal memories, marking one of the greatest achievements of their career.
Where did the tradition begin?
Cutting the net is an ancient basketball tradition that originated in the US in Indiana.In the early 1900s, winning teams began taking nets home as souvenirs to commemorate their tournament wins. The tradition became popular in 1947 when North Carolina State coach Everett Case celebrated his team’s Southern Conference Tournament title by climbing on the players’ shoulders and cutting down part of the net.
Case spent 23 years coaching high school basketball in his hometown of Indiana, winning four 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 memento of the victory. The draw became one of basketball’s most iconic plays and is now seen regularly in the NCAA tournament and other major tournaments.
Spain’s players brought the event to football’s biggest stage, turning the net into a lasting reminder of their World Cup victory at MetLife Stadium after defeating Argentina in the 2026 final.
Spain dominates FIFA World Cup 2026 final
Spain were crowned world champions for only the second time in their history after a superb performance against Argentina.Although the score was 1-0, Luis de la Fuente’s team dominated the game from start to finish. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved his side in the contest before Ferran Torres headed home in the 106th minute after Nico Williams headed home Pedro Porro’s cross.