Spain’s 2-0 victory over France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final secured far more than a place in Sunday’s final. Luis de la Fuente’s side matched one of the most celebrated records in European international football, extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches across all competitions and equalling Italy’s all-time continental record. The victory in Dallas also saw La Roja become the first European nation ever to win eight consecutive knockout matches across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, underlining the remarkable consistency that has defined the current generation. With the World Cup final still to come, Spain now stand one result away from establishing the longest unbeaten run ever recorded by a European men’s national team.
Spain draw level with Italy after extending unbeaten streak to 37 matches
Spain’s triumph over France stretched their unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions, comprising 28 victories and nine draws.The streak began after a 1-0 friendly defeat to Colombia at London’s Olympic Stadium on March 22, 2024. Since that loss, Spain have gone unbeaten through international friendlies, the UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2024 and now the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The achievement draws them level with Roberto Mancini’s Italy, whose 37-match unbeaten run between October 2018 and September 2021 had stood alone as the longest ever by a European men’s national team.Spain had already reached 36 matches without defeat after edging Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals, equalling Argentina’s run of 36 matches between July 2019 and November 2022 under Lionel Scaloni, a period during which Argentina lifted the Copa América in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022. By defeating France, they moved beyond Argentina and alongside Italy at the summit of European football history.The updated standings now read:
- Italy – 37 matches (2018–2021)
- Spain – 37 matches (2024–present)
- Argentina – 36 matches (2019–2022)
Should Spain avoid defeat in the World Cup final, they will move clear of Italy and become the outright holders of the longest unbeaten streak by a European nation.
Historic eighth consecutive knockout victory sets another European record
The semi-final also delivered another landmark achievement. Spain became the first European nation in history to win eight consecutive knockout-stage matches across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.Before De la Fuente’s current side, the best sequence by a European nation stood at seven consecutive knockout victories. That record was jointly held by Italy’s 1934-38 World Cup-winning generation and Spain’s own golden era between 2008 and 2012.The current run began during UEFA Euro 2024, when Spain defeated Georgia in the Round of 16, Germany in the quarter-finals, France in the semi-finals and England in the final to lift the European Championship with a perfect seven wins from seven matches.They have seamlessly carried that momentum into the World Cup, adding victories over Austria in the Round of 32, Portugal in the Round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-finals and now France in the semi-finals to complete an unprecedented run of eight straight knockout wins at major international tournaments.No European men’s national side has previously achieved such consistency in the knockout rounds of football’s two biggest competitions.
Spain’s latest triumph reflects the evolution under Luis de la Fuente
The victory over France was another demonstration of the tactical identity De la Fuente has built since taking charge.While Spain’s legendary sides between 2008 and 2012 became synonymous with patient possession football, the current squad has blended technical control with greater verticality, aggressive pressing and direct attacking play.That balance has been evident throughout the World Cup.Against France, Spain took control in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the area. Pedro Porro doubled the advantage after the interval, finishing a flowing move involving Dani Olmo before Spain comfortably managed the remainder of the contest to book their place in the final.
Spain fans cheer before the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Defensive organisation has been equally important throughout this historic run. Earlier in the tournament, Spain produced six consecutive clean sheets, while goalkeeper Unai Simón set a new World Cup record for the longest run of consecutive minutes without conceding.
One victory away from standing alone
Spain now head into the World Cup final carrying unprecedented momentum.They have matched Italy’s all-time European unbeaten record, surpassed Argentina’s modern international streak and become the first European nation ever to win eight successive knockout matches at major tournaments.Their opponent will be decided by the second semi-final between Argentina and England. Should England progress, the final would mark a repeat of the UEFA Euro 2024 showpiece, where Spain defeated the Three Lions to lift the European Championship. If Argentina advance, it would set up a clash between two of the most dominant international sides of the modern era.Victory in the final would complete an extraordinary sequence. Not only would Spain lift the FIFA World Cup for the second time in their history after their 2010 triumph, but they would also move beyond Italy to become the sole owners of the longest unbeaten run ever achieved by a European men’s national team.After already rewriting several chapters of football history under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja are now just one match away from standing alone.
