If Spain win and Munoz plays, he would reportedly become only the third Liverpool player to feature in a World Cup final for the eventual champions.
Roger Hunt achieved that with England in 1966, while Fernando Torres did so with Spain in 2010. The distinction is therefore about taking part in the final itself, not simply being included in the winning squad.
That difference matters for Munoz. A place among the substitutes would not be enough. He needs Luis de la Fuente to send him onto the pitch.
The report says Munoz was called into Spain’s squad after making his international debut in March and that a reported muscle issue affected his group-stage campaign. He has also reportedly remained unused during the knockout phase.
That leaves the 23-year-old facing a difficult selection equation. A final is rarely the setting for major experimentation, particularly when Spain are chasing a world title. His clearest route may be a late substitute appearance, but even that depends on the scoreline, Spain’s tactical needs and the coach’s trust in an inexperienced option.
His lack of knockout minutes makes the opportunity uncertain. It also makes the potential achievement more striking.
Spain will face Argentina or England. If Argentina advance, Alexis Mac Allister could provide Liverpool with another connection to the final, while Munoz’s possible appearance would give the club a separate storyline on the opposing side.
For Munoz, however, the equation is simple: selection, minutes and victory. The final will decide whether he remains an unused squad member or enters a small Liverpool history book with one late contribution.