Spain has extended its unbeaten streak to 42 matches, cementing its status as one of the most dominant national teams in international soccer. It’s a record few could have imagined when the Spanish Football Federation decided to take a chance on the then-unknown Luis de la Fuente to succeed Luis Enrique. The former stepped down after a disappointing World Cup in Qatar, where Spain was eliminated in the round of 16 by Morocco.
Nearly four years later, De la Fuente has been the architect of a transition that has ushered in a new generation of players. They are a group that has made enthusiasm, talent, and daring its defining characteristics. Beyond the titles won, this Spanish team exudes a sense of dominance and invincibility that has already secured its place in the history books of world soccer.
To find Spain’s last defeat in 90 minutes, one must go back to March 22, 2024. It was a friendly against Colombia played in London, a match in which the Spanish team fielded a starting lineup featuring several second-string players who, just a few months later, would not play a leading role in winning the European Championship.
Since then, Spain has not lost a single match in 90 minutes. A streak that began almost on tiptoe and, over time, has become a true display of power. What seemed like a risky gamble by a coach with no experience at the highest level has resulted in a national team that threatens to rewrite the record books of international soccer.
It has been 1,399 days since December eighth, 2022. On that day, the Spanish Football Federation announced that Luis de la Fuente was leaving the U-21 team to take over as head coach of the senior national team. Nearly four years later, that decision—which at the time raised doubts—has become one of the biggest success stories in international soccer.
A Nations League title, a European Championship, and a World Cup. Spain has won every major tournament it has competed in since then, with one exception: the 2025 Nations League. This one slipped away in the final against Portugal in a penalty shootout.
But beyond the titles, what defines this Spanish team is something else. The feeling that you can knock it down, but not finish it off. You can hit it hard, put it on the ropes, and even force it to play on the back foot, and yet it always finds a way to get back up.
In the four matches of this qualifying round, Spain has trailed on the scoreboard twice. And in both instances, it ended up staging a comeback.
The first time was against England. The team survived 20 minutes of being down before turning the score around and storming Wembley. It wasn’t Spain at its best, far from it. The play was more lackluster than usual, but they won again. Because, at this point, that’s what it’s all about: even when they don’t play well, Spain finds a way to prevail.
Yesterday, in Croatia, they proved it once again. A poor start forced the team to roll up their sleeves after Perišić’s goal. Spain had to buckle down, take the blow, and start pushing forward. From the 20th to the 60th minute, it was a constant onslaught until the equalizer came.
And then came the decisive blow. A brace by Merino capped off the comeback, extending the unbeaten streak to 42 games and securing a spot in the quarterfinals after a perfect 12-point haul in four matches.
Spain may struggle. It may be on the ropes. It may even seem vulnerable, but it always bounces back.
Spain has set the longest streak for a men’s national team. Its victory over Argentina in the World Cup final marked its 38th consecutive win, surpassing the record set by Italy between 2018 and 2021.
Not even Argentina, in a less demanding league in terms of quality such as CONMEBOL, has reached that figure. During its triumphant period, in which it won two Copa América titles and one World Cup, the streak came to an end in 2022 against Saudi Arabia (1-2).
In fifth place on this prestigious list, we once again find Spain. This time with a streak that spanned the years 2007 to 2009. 35 games without a loss, including the six that led to their second European Championship title.
Spain’s journey toward its first World Cup title didn’t get off to the best start. Its first match against Switzerland ended in a 0-1 loss, and none of the country’s more than 40 million residents could have predicted the outcome.
The Spanish team won every match in the competition until they finally earned their first star on their jerseys. The streak lasted 29 games, with five draws along the way. It came to an end in the final of the now-defunct Confederations Cup against Brazil, which won the tournament by defeating Spain 3-0.
In Spain, there is a growing belief that this new generation—given how far it has come and what lies ahead—has already surpassed the team that dominated the world. This is due to their two European Championships and one World Cup between 2008 and 2012.
That team had world-class players in every position on the field. The current national team may not generate as much media buzz in terms of star power, but it has a game-changer named Lamine Yamal. It is no secret that he is considered by many to be the best player in the world.
What the team lacks in overall play, it makes up for with Yamal’s individual brilliance. He draws multiple defenders toward him, creating spaces that he never hesitates to spot and exploit with his passes. Often, those plays result in goals, and that’s what has led Spain to victory.
Spain is a labyrinth from which 42 national teams have been unable to find their way out.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
