Spain Breaks Its Own Unbeaten Record at the 2026 World Cup and Matches Argentina's Mark. How Close Are They to Italy's Record?

Luis de la Fuente's La Roja has matched the unbeaten run achieved by Lionel Scaloni's Argentina and Lionel Messi. Here are all the details.

Luis de la Fuente's Spain, led by talents such as Lamine Yamal, continues to make history.

After defeating Belgium 2-1 and reaching the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, La Roja extended its unbeaten streak to 36 consecutive matches, matching the record set by Lionel Scaloni's Argentina and Lionel Messi while surpassing Spain's previous historic mark under Luis Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque, which stood at 35 games without defeat between 2007 and 2009.

The Spanish national team now has its sights set on an even more exclusive milestone: Italy's world record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches, achieved between 2018 and 2021.

CONSISTENCY AS THEIR IDENTITY

Spain's journey toward this record began after a 2-0 defeat to Scotland in March 2023 during Euro 2024 qualifying. Since then, the team has collected wins and draws across competitive matches and friendlies, building an identity based on possession, high pressing and the impact of its emerging young stars.

The last time Spain suffered defeat was in a friendly against Colombia, a 1-0 loss at London's Olympic Stadium on March 22, 2024.

During this remarkable stretch, Spain won the 2023 UEFA Nations League and later lifted the 2024 European Championship, where it won all seven matches and finished as unbeaten champions. Players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Rodri, Dani Olmo and Pedri have become key figures in a squad that blends experience with a new generation of talent.

The run has also allowed Spain to reach numbers once reserved for legendary national teams. With 36 matches unbeaten, La Roja has matched Argentina's streak from 2019 to 2022, a period in which Messi's Argentina won both the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup.

ONE MATCH AWAY FROM HISTORY

Spain's next challenge against Kylian Mbappé's France represents more than just a semifinal showdown — it is also a chance to make history.

Another match without defeat would see Spain equal Italy's record of 37 unbeaten games under Roberto Mancini and Jorginho, a milestone that stood as one of football's most difficult records to break.

It would also put Spain one step closer to reaching its second-ever World Cup final, following the nation's triumph at South Africa 2010.

Spain has turned consistency into its greatest strength. Beyond its recent trophies, the unbeaten streak reflects the team's ability to compete at the highest level against opponents with different styles and generations.

Now, every match carries added significance: it is not only about advancing in the tournament or lifting a trophy, but also about the opportunity to place Spain at the top of international football's unbeaten records.