Spain has shown remarkable strength as they advance towards the final of the World Cup 2026. However, their journey has been accompanied by a rare stroke of luck in three consecutive critical matches, where injuries to key players from opposing teams have played a pivotal role in their victories.

During the match against France, center-back William Saliba suffered a back injury and had to leave the field in the 30th minute. This moment marked a turning point for France, as Saliba's absence left them vulnerable against Spain's attacking prowess. His replacement, Maxence Lacroix, who plays for Crystal Palace, lacked the experience needed to contend with Spain's star players, leading to a crucial goal by Pedro Porro in the 58th minute.

This was not the first instance of Spain benefiting from opponent injuries. In their round of 16 match against Portugal, Nuno Mendes, who was performing exceptionally well, had to exit the game in the 56th minute due to a thigh injury. His departure allowed Spain to dominate the final 30 minutes, culminating in a goal from Mikel Merino in stoppage time.

In the quarter-finals against Belgium, Spain again found themselves in a fortunate position when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sustained a thigh injury in the 71st minute, leading to his substitution. His replacement, Senne Lammens, made a critical error that resulted in Spain scoring the winning goal.

In the recent match against France, Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute, and with Saliba's injury shortly after, they capitalized on the situation, confidently attacking and securing a second goal. Fans on social media have humorously suggested that Spain has placed a "curse" on their opponents, as injuries have consistently benefited them at crucial moments.

From a professional standpoint, the injuries sustained by Spain's opponents can be attributed to the intense demands of the matches. Nuno Mendes, for instance, was heavily involved in both defensive and offensive plays, leading to his injury from exhaustion. Similarly, Saliba faced the relentless pace of Spain's quick ball movement, which exacerbated his existing back issues.

As Spain continues their quest for World Cup glory, the intertwining of skill and fortune remains a significant narrative in their campaign.