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Lamine Yamal's Spain Surpasses Messi's Argentina and Chases Unbeaten Record
Luis de la Fuente's side eliminated Kylian Mbappé's France to move past Argentina's Scaloneta and match the best unbeaten record in World Cup history. What comes next for Spain, and how far can this team go in the final?
After eliminating France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal, Spain continues to make history. With Lamine Yamal emerging as one of its biggest stars and a masterful tactical approach from manager Luis de la Fuente, La Roja surpassed Lionel Messi's Argentina unbeaten streak and now has its sights set on the all-time record after matching Italy's historic mark.
THE RECORD
Following their 2-0 victory over France at Dallas Stadium, Spain reached 37 consecutive matches without a defeat, surpassing Argentina's Scaloneta and Lionel Messi's 36-game unbeaten run while matching the record held by Roberto Mancini's Italy featuring Jorginho.
If La Furia avoids defeat in Sunday's World Cup final on July 19 at New York/New Jersey Stadium, Spain will claim the title of the most unbeaten national team in soccer history — potentially while celebrating its second World Cup trophy.
A GENERATION MAKING HISTORY
Spain's rise under Luis de la Fuente has been reflected not only in trophies and performances, but also in its remarkable numbers. A combination of young talent, experience and a clear playing identity has taken the Spanish team to a new competitive level.
With Lamine Yamal as the face of this new era, Spain moved past the historic unbeaten streak of Lionel Messi's Argentina, the team that lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022.
Argentina had gone 36 straight matches unbeaten between 2019 and 2022, a record that appeared difficult to break.
Spain extended its own unbeaten run through a style built on possession, high pressing and the ability to adapt to different challenges. Beyond individual brilliance, the team's collective strength has become the foundation of its success.
That formula proved decisive against Kylian Mbappé and a star-studded France squad in the semifinal.
THE CHALLENGE AHEAD
Breaking Argentina's record represents another major step for a Spain team looking to establish itself among the greatest national sides in history.
Now, La Roja's next objective is to set a new all-time unbeaten record of 38 consecutive matches without a loss after tying Italy's legendary streak of 37 games between 2018 and 2021 — a run that culminated with the Azzurri winning Euro 2020 and included a semifinal victory over Spain at Wembley on July 6, 2021.
Beyond the numbers, the unbeaten streak reflects the evolution of a project that has restored Spain's confidence on the international stage.
La Roja is not only chasing more victories; it is pursuing a place in history as the national team with the longest unbeaten run in soccer history and the third country to win two World Cups, joining France and Uruguay among teams with multiple titles.
