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.
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.”
