Many British football fans living in Spain will support the Spanish national team in the World Cup final after England’s elimination from the tournament.
For some expats, their support comes from frustration over Argentina’s controversial semi-final victory against England. For others, Spain has become their second team after years of living in the country they now call home.
From Benidorm and Malaga to Barcelona and Mallorca, British supporters will gather in homes and local bars to watch Spain compete for the trophy.
Spain becomes a second home for British fans
Louise Letchford, a British school head teacher who has lived near Benidorm for 23 years, said she feels proud to support Spain despite her strong British background.
She is among the hundreds of thousands of British citizens living in Spain who have developed a connection with Spanish culture and football.
Louise Wilson, originally from Manchester, said she was disappointed after England’s defeat but quickly found a new team to support.
She said she enjoys Spanish football and believes Spain has a strong squad. After living in Malaga for 31 years, she said her half-Spanish children would naturally support Spain if the two countries had met in the final.
Expats split between two football loyalties
Other British residents shared similar feelings. Nick Dalby, who lives in Barcelona, said his daughters would have supported Spain over England if both teams reached the final.
He explained that while he would have preferred England to be competing, he would now support Spain.
Meanwhile, Richard Thompson, a former mayor of a village in Mallorca, said many long-term British residents feel a strong loyalty toward Spain.
After living in the country for 25 years, Thompson said supporting Spain feels natural. He plans to watch the final at a local bar with other residents.
Argentina defeat influences fan choices
Some British expats said Argentina’s style of play influenced their decision.
Ashley Woodhall, who lives near Barcelona, said he was proud of England’s tournament performance but accepted that Argentina deserved the victory.
However, others said they could not support Argentina because of the team’s aggressive approach during the semi-final.
Mike Watson, who owns a holiday home in Marbella, said he would support Spain because of Argentina’s physical style of play and because he has developed a connection with Spanish football.
Tim Parfitt, a British author living near Barcelona, also rejected the idea of supporting Argentina after the match, citing political messages displayed during celebrations.
For many British expats in Spain, the final represents a chance to combine their British roots with their adopted home, giving them a new team to support on football’s biggest stage.
