Benni McCarthy Explains Why Spain Set Standard for Modern Football
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has described Spain’s possession-based football as the benchmark for the modern game, saying their performance against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final demonstrated exactly how football should be played.
Spain dethroned Argentina after a thrilling World Cup final, combining technical quality, intelligent movement and composure on the ball to overcome the defending champions. Their display drew widespread praise from across the football world, with McCarthy among those impressed by the European giants’ unwavering commitment to their playing philosophy.
The former South African international said Spain’s ability to dominate possession and dictate the tempo made life extremely difficult for Argentina, who struggled to impose themselves against a side that rarely surrendered control of the ball.
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McCarthy believes Spain’s display offered a masterclass in game management, with the players refusing to panic even after taking the lead. Instead of clearing the ball under pressure, they continued to build patiently from the back and relied on their technical ability to frustrate their opponents.
“They’ve got players that control the game. And when they’re looking like they’re in the lead or they’re winning the game, they don’t get rid of that ball. They take care of that ball like it’s a baby brother. Or, you know, they take proper care, you know, and they made it almost impossible for Argentina to get anything.”
Spain’s Patience Proved Decisive
McCarthy said Spain’s discipline in possession was the defining feature of the final, allowing them to control large portions of the match while denying Argentina the opportunity to build sustained attacks.
Every pass appeared deliberate, with players constantly creating passing options and moving into space to retain possession. That approach forced Argentina to spend long spells chasing the ball instead of creating chances of their own.
The Harambee Stars coach noted that Spain remained faithful to their football identity throughout the contest despite the enormous pressure that comes with playing in a World Cup final.
He argued that the victory was about more than lifting the trophy, saying it was also a triumph for a philosophy built around intelligence, teamwork and technical excellence.
“So for me, the best team on the day, not just won, but football won because Spain is that team. When you watch football, and you want to see this is the way you want kids to learn to play football, and this was the team that did that.”
McCarthy Wants Young Players to Follow Spain’s Example
McCarthy said Spain’s performance should serve as an inspiration for young footballers hoping to succeed at the highest level.
Technical ability, composure under pressure and intelligent decision-making, he suggested, are qualities that every aspiring player should develop from an early age. Spain’s display showed that keeping possession and trusting a clear football philosophy can be just as effective as relying on physicality or direct play.
His admiration for Spain also reflects the football principles he has consistently championed since taking charge of Harambee Stars.
McCarthy has repeatedly spoken about building a Kenyan national team capable of controlling matches through disciplined passing, tactical awareness and confidence in possession rather than simply reacting to opponents.
Spain’s World Cup triumph reinforced those beliefs, offering a practical example of how patience and technical quality can deliver success against elite opposition.
The coach believes football development should prioritise teaching young players to think quickly, value possession and understand the game rather than focusing solely on results.
Spain’s victory over Argentina, in his view, was proof that attractive football and winning football can still go hand in hand.
Their performance on the biggest stage in world football left a lasting impression on McCarthy, who sees the newly crowned world champions as the standard that future generations should aspire to emulate.
