Spanish Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a divisive figure among his compatriots, on Sunday praised the unity of the national football team in an opinion piece published by the newspaper El País, hours before their match against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final.

The leader, who has been hit in recent months by scandals and investigations involving close associates including his brother and wife, in cases that have greatly damaged his popularity and image, wrote: "On Sunday, 26 of our countrymen will defend the colors of Spain in the World Cup final against Argentina before a global audience."

The head of government, who will attend the final match between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium near New York alongside King Felipe VI, praised a "philosophy that allowed Spain to learn how to win" in 2010 when it won its first and only title, speaking of "talent and... skill," but also and above all of "solidarity and... team spirit."

He added, "This is the Spanish national team that captivates hearts, with the collective and bold style of play that characterizes us so much. And also with the values that define our country," expressing his pride in Spain, "which bets on collective talent to win and presents itself to the world as the beloved and respected country it is."

He continued, "On Sunday, the boys and girls who dream of emulating Rodri, Oyarzabal, or Cucurella (players of the Spanish national team) will set the rhythm of our country's heartbeat. We will all be one, led by the camaraderie that (coach) Luis de la Fuente has managed to instill in this unique team."

A victory for Spain in its second world title could allow the prime minister to temporarily turn the page on the legal troubles pursuing him.

On Thursday, a court confirmed that his wife, Begoña Gómez, will appear in court on charges of influence peddling and embezzlement of public funds.

Sanchez also recently witnessed his brother David being convicted and barred from holding any public office for nine years after using his older brother's influence to obtain a job in a public administration.

At the end of June, his former transport minister José Luis Ábalos was sentenced to 24 years in prison on corruption charges.

Since May, his Socialist predecessor at the head of the Spanish government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2011 and is considered a highly respected figure within the left, has also been charged with influence peddling in exchange for bribes.

The opposition is demanding Sanchez's resignation and calling for early elections, which he refuses.