Mikel Oyarzabal, the infallible final scorer, aims to make World Cup history
Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal enters the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina with an unbeatable record: he has scored in all six finals he has played in his career. At 29, the Basque player seeks to add another decisive goal and become the first Spaniard to score six times in a single World Cup. Real Sociedad, currently 10th in La Liga with 46 points (11 wins, 13 draws, 14 losses), closely follows the performance of its star in the national team.
What makes Oyarzabal so special in decisive matches?
According to a FIFA report, Oyarzabal has scored in two Copa del Rey finals with Real Sociedad, two UEFA Nations League finals, one Euro final, and one Olympic final. His latest World Cup goal came in the semifinal against France, where he scored a crucial penalty. Although his team hasn't won all those finals (his record is 4 wins and 2 losses), his ability to score in the most important moments sets him apart from legends like Messi, Ronaldo, or Maradona.
Can Oyarzabal break Spain's World Cup record?
With five goals in this tournament, Oyarzabal is already tied with Emilio Butragueño and David Villa as Spain's top scorers in a single World Cup. One more goal in the final would make him the first Spanish player to reach six goals in one edition. Additionally, his team is coming off a tough streak in La Liga, with only one draw and two losses in their last five games, including a 0-1 defeat against PAU on July 11, 2026.
What's next for Oyarzabal and Real Sociedad?
After the World Cup final, Oyarzabal will return to Real Sociedad, which is preparing for a key match against Real Madrid on August 16, 2026. The team, currently 48 points behind leader Barcelona, will look to improve its position in the standings. Meanwhile, Oyarzabal continues to show why he is one of the most reliable players in decisive moments, both for his club and the Spanish national team.
