Spain beat France 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals to not only book a spot in Sunday’s final. Luis de la Fuente’s side equaled one of the most glorious records in European international football, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 37 games and equaling Italy’s continental record. Victory in Dallas also made La Roja the first European nation to win eight consecutive games in the knockout stages of the World Cup and European Championships, underscoring the remarkable consistency of this generation. With the World Cup final looming, Spain are now just one point away from setting a European men’s national team’s longest unbeaten streak.
Spain extends its unbeaten streak to 37 games, tying Italy
The Spanish team defeated the French team and extended its unbeaten record in all competitions to 37 games, including 28 wins and 9 draws.The run started after a 1-0 friendly defeat to Colombia on 22 March 2024 at the Olympic Stadium in London. Since that defeat, Spain have gone unbeaten in international friendlies, the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2024 and now the 2026 World Cup.The achievement brings them level with Roberto Mancini’s Italy, who went on a 37-game unbeaten run between October 2018 and September 2021 to become the longest unbeaten run in European men’s national team history.Spain’s 36-game unbeaten run, after beating Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals, equaled Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten run under Lionel Scaloni from July 2019 to November 2022, during which time Argentina won the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. By defeating France, they surpassed Argentina and tied with Italy at the pinnacle of European football history.The updated standings are now:
- Italy – 37 games (2018–2021)
- Spain – 37 games (2024-present)
- Argentina – 36 games (2019–2022)
If Spain avoid defeat in the World Cup final, they will surpass Italy and become the holders of the longest unbeaten streak among European countries.
Historic eight consecutive wins set a new European record
There was another landmark achievement in the semi-finals. Spain became the first European country in history to win eight consecutive games in the knockout rounds of the World Cup and European Cup.Prior to De La Fuente’s current team, the European national team’s best record was seven consecutive wins in the knockout rounds. This record was jointly held by Italy’s generation of World Cup winners from 1934-38 and Spain’s own golden era from 2008 to 2012.This round of competition began during the 2024 European Cup, when Spain defeated Georgia in the round of 16, Germany in the quarter-finals, France in the semi-finals, and England in the final, winning the European Cup with a perfect seven wins in seven games.They have carried this momentum seamlessly into the World Cup, defeating Austria in the round of 32, Portugal in the round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-finals, and now France in the semi-finals, completing an unprecedented eight-game winning streak in the knockout stages of major international events.No European men’s national team has ever achieved such consistent results in the knockout stages of football’s two biggest competitions before.
Spain’s latest victory reflects evolution under Luis de la Fuente
The victory against France once again confirmed the tactical profile that De la Fuente has built since taking over.While Spain’s legendary teams between 2008 and 2012 became synonymous with patient possession football, the current side combines technical control with greater verticality, aggressive pressing and direct attack.This balance was evident throughout the World Cup.Against France, Spain took control of the game in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal took a penalty kick after Lamine Yamar was fouled in the penalty area. Pedro Polo doubled the advantage after the break, finishing off a flowing move from Dani Olmo, before Spain breezed through the rest of the game to seal their place in the final.
Spanish fans cheer before the World Cup semifinal match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, near Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
In this historic game, defensive organization is equally important. Earlier in the tournament, Spain kept a clean sheet in six games in a row, with goalkeeper Unai Simon setting the record for the longest such streak at a World Cup.
There is still one victory left before fighting alone.
Spain is now heading into the World Cup finals with unprecedented momentum.They tied Italy’s unbeaten record in European history, surpassed Argentina’s unbeaten record in modern international competitions, and became the first European country to win eight consecutive games in the knockout rounds of major events.Their opponents will be decided in Argentina’s second semi-final against England. If England advance, the final will be a repeat of Euro 2024, when Spain defeated the Three Lions to win the European Cup. Should Argentina advance, it would spark a clash between two of the most dominant international teams of the modern era.A victory in the final would complete a remarkable sequence. Not only will Spain win the World Cup trophy for the second time in history after winning the title in 2010, but it will also surpass Italy and become the sole owner of the longest undefeated record in the history of the European men’s national team.Led by Luis de la Fuente, Spain has rewritten several chapters of football history and is now just one game away from being in a league of its own.
