"I feel especially proud of this generation of footballers who have grown with this idea... giving us an example of a group, of a family," he said.
"They are players with exceptional talent. For me, it has been an honour to have accompanied them on this journey. "
De la Fuente, who also coached them to the Euro 2024 crown, added: "I'm very emotional, looking back. We have won everything, and that is wonderful.
"They are a generation of footballers who are a source of pride for Spain. Together, we are stronger."
The 65-year-old coach said he believed Spain should have won the game earlier than the 106th-minute goal by Ferran Torres that settled a tense final, but he praised Argentina 'keeper Emi Martinez for an inspired performance.
Argentina had Enzo Fernandez sent off for a second yellow card in the 93rd minute before the game went into extra time.
"I think the game should have been decided earlier. Dibu's great saves prevented us from winning sooner, but it is a World Cup final and, even with ten players at the end, you have to suffer," de la Fuente said.
Check out the Spain-Argentina matchup stats here.
FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup took place from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament featured 48 national teams and was won by Spain, who beat Argentina in the final.
Full schedule and results | Group standings and bracket | Past winners of the tournament | Our team of the tournament | About the 2030 World Cup