EXPLAINED: Why Spain players cut the goal nets after winning World Cup

NEW DELHI: Spain's celebrations after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 caught the attention of football fans around the world. Apart from the usual scenes of joy, hugs, cheers and trophy celebrations, one moment stood out at the New York New Jersey Stadium, officially known as MetLife Stadium. After beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to lift their second World Cup title, several Spain players were seen cutting pieces of the goal net and taking them home as souvenirs.Spain borrow a famous basketball traditionThe unusual celebration came after substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the final in the 106th minute to seal a historic victory over defending champions Argentina.Once the celebrations began, Spain's players borrowed one of basketball's most famous traditions by cutting down the goal nets.The pieces of the net became personal keepsakes, marking one of the biggest achievements of their careers.Where did the tradition begin?Cutting down the nets is a long-standing basketball tradition that began in the US state of Indiana.In the early 20th century, winning teams started taking the nets home as souvenirs to remember championship victories. The tradition became famous in 1947 when North Carolina State coach Everett Case celebrated his team's Southern Conference Tournament title by climbing onto his players' shoulders and cutting down part of the basket net.Case spent 23 years coaching high school basketball in his home state of Indiana, winning four state championships before joining North Carolina State in 1946.After leading NC State to the Southern Conference Tournament title in 1947, Case cut down the net as a souvenir of the victory. The gesture quickly became one of basketball's most iconic championship traditions and is now seen regularly during NCAA tournaments and other major competitions.Spain's players brought the tradition to football's biggest stage, turning the goal net into a lasting reminder of their World Cup triumph at MetLife Stadium after defeating Argentina in the 2026 final.Spain dominate FIFA World Cup 2026 finalSpain were crowned world champions for only the second time in their history after a dominant performance against Argentina.Although the scoreline was only 1-0, Luis de la Fuente's side controlled the game from start to finish. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a string of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest before Ferran Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute after Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro's cross into his path.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.