Pep Guardiola refuses to back Spain in World Cup final
Pep Guardiola has made clear he will not support Spain—or Argentina—in the 2026 World Cup final, saying he backs only sides with players he likes. The Catalan coach earned 47 caps for Spain and Olympic gold in 1992, yet still frames his identity around Catalonia rather than the Spanish national team.
Key Takeaways
- In an OKX interview, Pep Guardiola said he supports neither Spain nor Argentina in the final.
- He won 47 caps for Spain and Olympic gold at Barcelona 1992, yet often stresses Catalan identity.
- He named Rodri, Pedri and Lamine Yamal as keys if Spain are to beat Argentina.
- After nearly 20 years on the touchline, he paused coaching to protect his body and spend time with family.
Why won't Pep Guardiola pick a side for the final?
Asked about his preference ahead of the Spain–Argentina showpiece, Guardiola replied that he would “win the World Cup” himself. He then insisted he goes with neither finalist.
“I have many players I admire. I always support the teams that have players I like,” he told OKX, according to El Debate.
He added he would be happy if Argentina won because of players he knows, and said the same about France and Portugal—without naming Spain as a side he wants to lift the trophy.
How does his Spain playing career complicate the stance?
Guardiola has long repeated that he belongs to “a small country called Catalonia,” and Manchester City fans have waved the Estelada in support of that message. Critics argue that clashes with his record in a Spain shirt.
As a player he made 47 appearances for Spain, won Olympic gold in 1992, and played at a European Championship and a World Cup. A MARCA opinion column branded him a hypocrite for rejecting Spain after representing it for years and earning from those caps.
Supporters of his position note personal identity is individual. Detractors ask why he never refused call-ups if he felt no bond with the national side.
What did Pep Guardiola say Spain need to beat Argentina?
Pressed further, he did assess Luis de la Fuente’s side. He argued Spain’s path runs through midfield control and finishing quality from familiar names.
“If [Rodri] can impose himself in midfield with Pedri and Lamine is accurate, Spain can make the difference,” he said of long-time Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernández.
Earlier World Cup comments also aged well: he tipped Argentina, Spain, France and Morocco, and hoped England would go deep. Coverage by laSexta noted those sides reached the latter stages, matching his “big teams will be there” forecast.
Why did Pep Guardiola step away from coaching?
Now 56 and without a club after leaving Manchester City, Guardiola has paused indefinitely after almost two decades in management. He linked the break to caring for his body and back after years of strain, and to spending more time with his children, father and siblings.
That focus on recovery and longevity echoes themes we cover in longevity and biohacking—stepping back when the body demands it. He says he is “very happy” exploring new things before any return, even as links to England or Italy swirl.
He started coaching Barcelona at 37. After nearly 20 years of relentless schedules, the pause is as much about health and family as football politics—and it frames why he is watching this World Cup from the sidelines rather than a dugout.