Spain’s 2-0 win over France in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup earned them a place in Sunday’s final. Luis de la Fuente’s side matched one of the most famous performances in European international football, extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions and equaling Italy’s all-time record. Victory in Dallas also made La Roja the first country in Europe to win eight games in a row in the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, proving the consistency that has defined the current generation. With the World Cup still to come, Spain is now on the verge of establishing the longest unbeaten streak recorded by a European team.
Spain equalized with Italy after 37 matches unbeaten
Spain’s streak against France extended to 37 games unbeaten in all competitions, including 28 wins and nine draws.The streak began after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia at London’s Olympic Stadium on March 22, 2024. Since that victory, Spain has not won through international friendlies, the UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2024 and now the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The win draws Italy’s Roberto Mancini, whose 37-game unbeaten streak between October 2018 and September 2021 stands alone as the longest ever with a European team.Spain had already achieved 36 matches without defeat after defeating Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, which equals Argentina’s 36 matches between July 2019 and November 2022 under the leadership of Lionel Scaloni, during which Argentina lifted the Copa América in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup beyond Argentina and Argentina in 2022 with France. history of European football.The changes now read:
- Italy – 37 games (2018-2021)
- Spain – 37 matches (2024-present)
- Argentina – 36 games (2019-2022)
If Spain avoid defeat in the World Cup final, they will overtake Italy and become the longest unbeaten run by a European country.
A historic eighth consecutive victory sets another record in Europe
The semi-final provided another crucial victory. Spain became the first country in Europe to win eight matches in a row in the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.Before arriving at De la Fuente’s current side, the best streak with the European nation was seven consecutive wins. The record was held together with Italy’s World Cup-winning generation in 1934-38 and Spain’s golden era between 2008 and 2012.The current run began at UEFA Euro 2024, where Spain beat 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 games.They have been very successful in 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 consecutive victories at major international tournaments.No indigenous men’s team in Europe has been as consistent in two of football’s biggest competitions.
Spain’s recent success shows the evolution of Luis de la Fuente
The French victory was another show of genius that De la Fuente had made since his reign.While the most famous Spanish teams between 2008 and 2012 were synonymous with sick football, the current team has combined technical leadership with high pace, aggressive pressing and direct 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 in the area. Pedro Porro added to the advantage after the interval, finishing off a move that touched off Dani Olmo before Spain finished the rest of the game well to book their last place.
Spanish fans cheer before the World Cup match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Security planning has been equally important throughout. At the start of the tournament, Spain reeled off six goals in a row, with goalkeeper Unai Simón setting a new World Cup record for consecutive minutes without conceding.
One victory away from standing alone
Spain now enters the final of the World Cup with unprecedented power.They equaled Italy’s unbeaten record in Europe, surpassing Argentina’s current international record and becoming the first European nation to win eight consecutive matches at a major tournament.Their opponent will be decided by the second semifinal between Argentina and England. If England progress, the final will be a repeat of the UEFA Euro 2024 showdown, where Spain defeated the Three Lions to lift the European Championship. If Argentina goes ahead, it could start a conflict between the two most powerful countries in the world today.The final victory would have been a remarkable sequence. Not only will Spain lift the FIFA World Cup trophy for the second time in their history after their triumph in 2010, they will also overtake Italy to become the only undefeated holders ever to win it with a European team.Having already written several football history chapters under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja now have one match left to stand on their own.