One win away from football immortality: Spain break European ‘untouchable’ record after triumph in France

Members of the Spain team stand during a moment of silence before the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Spain’s 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ensured much more than just a place in Sunday’s final. Luis de la Fuente’s side broke one of the most famous records in European international football, extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions and equaling Italy’s all-time continental record. Victory in Dallas also meant that La Roja became the first ever European nation to win eight consecutive knockout matches at the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, underscoring the remarkable consistency that has defined the current generation. The World Cup finals are just around the corner and Spain are now one result away from establishing the longest unbeaten run ever recorded by a European men’s national team.

Spain drew with Italy after extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches

Spain’s triumph over France extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions, with 28 wins and nine draws.The streak began after a 1–0 friendly defeat to Colombia at London’s Olympic Stadium on 22 March 2024. Since that loss, Spain have gone unbeaten in international friendlies, the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2024 and now the 2026 FIFA World Cup.That success draws them level with Roberto Mancini’s Italy, whose 37-game unbeaten run between October 2018 and September 2021 stands alone as the longest ever by a European men’s national team.Spain have already gone 36 games unbeaten after beating Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, equaling Argentina’s 36-game streak between July 2019 and November 2022 under Lionel Scaloni, a period that saw Argentina lift the Copa América in 2021 and top the FIFA World Cup in 2021. moved next to Italy and Argentina. history.The updated order now reads:

1. Italy – 37 matches (2018-2021)
2. Spain – 37 matches (2024–present)
3. Argentina – 36 matches (2019-2022)

If Spain avoid defeat in the FIFA World Cup final, they will avoid Italy and become the outright holders of the longest unbeaten run by a European nation.

The eighth consecutive knockout victory in history creates another European record

The semi-finals brought another significant success. Spain became the first European country in history to win eight consecutive FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship knockout matches.Before De la Fuente’s current team, the European nation’s best streak was seven consecutive knockout victories. 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.The current run began during UEFA Euro 2024 when 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 matches.They carried that momentum seamlessly into the World Cup, adding wins over Austria in the round of 16, Portugal in the round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-final and now France in the semi-final to complete an unprecedented run of eight straight knock-out wins at major international tournaments.No European men’s national team has previously achieved such consistency in the knockout rounds of football’s two biggest competitions.

Spain’s latest triumph reflects developments under Luis de la Fuente

The victory over France was another demonstration of the tactical identity that De la Fuente had developed since taking command.While Spain’s legendary teams between 2008 and 2012 became synonymous with patient possession football, the current team has combined technical control with greater verticality, aggressive pressing and direct attacking play.This balance was 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 doubled the advantage after the break and finished off Dani Olmo’s flowing move before Spain comfortably handled the rest of the game 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)

The defensive organization was just as important during this historic run. Earlier in the tournament, Spain produced six clean sheets in a row, while goalkeeper Unai Simón set a new World Cup record for the longest streak of consecutive minutes without conceding.

One victory away from being left alone

Spain are now heading to the World Cup finals with unprecedented momentum.They equaled Italy’s all-time European record, broke Argentina’s modern international streak and became the first ever European nation to win eight consecutive knock-out 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 show where Spain defeated the Three Lions to lift the European Championship. If Argentina progress, it will be a clash between two of the most dominant international sides of the modern era.A win in the final would complete an extraordinary sequence. Not only would Spain lift the FIFA World Cup for the second time in their history following their triumph in 2010, 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.Having already rewritten several chapters of football history under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja are now just one match away from standing alone.