Spain etched their name into football history on Sunday after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, setting a new record for the longest unbeaten run in men’s international football.
The victory stretched La Roja’s unbeaten streak to 38 matches, surpassing Italy’s previous record of 37 games, which the Azzurri achieved between 2018 and 2021 during a run that included their UEFA Euro 2020 triumph over England.
Spain had equalled Italy’s mark with their World Cup semi-final victory over France before going one better by lifting the trophy in the final against the defending champions.
The triumph also capped a remarkable tournament for Luis de la Fuente’s men. Spain conceded just one goal throughout the competition and kept seven clean sheets, becoming the first team in World Cup history to win the tournament while allowing only a single goal.
It marks Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, adding to the crown they won in South Africa in 2010, and further cements their place among international football’s elite.
Spain are no strangers to long unbeaten spells. Between 2007 and 2009, they went 35 consecutive matches without defeat, a run that culminated in their UEFA Euro 2008 success and laid the foundation for one of the greatest eras in the nation’s football history.
Their current unbeaten run began after a friendly defeat to Colombia in 2024. Although Spain were beaten by Portugal in a penalty shootout in the UEFA Nations League final, that result is officially recorded as a draw for unbeaten-run purposes because the match ended level after regulation and extra time.
Since that defeat to Colombia, Spain have remained unbeaten through their successful UEFA Euro 2024 campaign and their victorious 2026 World Cup journey, culminating in a record-breaking 38-match streak that now stands as the longest unbeaten run ever achieved in men’s international football.
