Spain set a new benchmark in men’s international football by extending their unbeaten run to a record 38 matches, after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
The victory saw Luis de la Fuente’s side surpass Italy’s previous record of 37 consecutive matches without defeat, achieved between 2018 and 2021, when the Azzurri won the delayed Euro 2020 title.
Spain had equalled Italy’s mark by defeating France in last Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal before moving into sole possession of the record with their triumph over Argentina.
The World Cup victory also capped one of the most dominant campaigns in tournament history. Spain kept seven clean sheets and became the first men’s team to win the World Cup while conceding just one goal throughout the competition.
The unbeaten run began after a friendly defeat to Colombia in 2024 and includes Spain’s successful UEFA Euro 2024 campaign and their run to a second World Cup title. Although Spain lost to Portugal in a penalty shootout in the UEFA Nations League final, the result is officially recorded as a draw for unbeaten-run statistics because the match ended level after extra time.
Spain are no strangers to long unbeaten streaks, having previously gone 35 matches without defeat between 2007 and 2009, a period that culminated in their Euro 2008 triumph. However, their latest achievement now stands alone as the longest unbeaten run in the history of men’s international football, further cementing the legacy of De la Fuente’s team.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
