Spain have swatted aside a star-studded France side in the World Cup semi-final, but their journey to this point has been quietly dominant – leaving many to wonder how a team that barely beat debutants Cape Verde could now be favourites for the trophy. The answer lies in a remarkable unbeaten run, a collective style that has overwhelmed brilliant individuals, and a manager who was initially dismissed as 'Luis de la Who?'.
Spain beat France 2-0 in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup to reach just their second final, after winning the tournament in 2010. They are the reigning European champions and have gone 37 matches without defeat, equalling Italy's record for the longest unbeaten run in international football. Under manager Luis de la Fuente, appointed in December 2022, they have won the Nations League in 2023 and Euro 2024, and have now added a World Cup final appearance. Their defensive solidity has been key: they have kept a clean sheet in six of their seven games in this World Cup.
“Explains Spain's rise under Luis de la Fuente, their record unbeaten run, and what it means for the World Cup final.”
The roots of Spain's resurgence lie in a low-key appointment that raised eyebrows. De la Fuente, 65, had previously managed Spain's under-19, under-21 and under-23 sides before taking the senior job. He was viewed as a federation insider rather than a high-profile personality, but he has given an emphatic response to doubters. His team's performance against France was described by former Premier League champion Chris Sutton as Spain having 'scalped France – they flattened France', while Roy Keane praised them as 'an absolute joy to watch' and noted that France were 'brilliant individuals not playing as a team'. Spain's midfield masterclass limited France to just three attempts on target.
For UK readers, this matters because Spain could meet England in the final if England beat Argentina in the other semi-final. That would be a repeat of the Euro 2024 final, which Spain won. England's semi-final against Argentina takes place in Atlanta, with Thomas Tuchel confirming Declan Rice is fit to start after illness. The final is scheduled for Sunday, and Spain will likely be favourites given their form and record.
Q: How did Spain become so good? Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain have built a system based on collective play and defensive solidity. They have gone 37 matches unbeaten, equalling Italy's record, and have kept clean sheets in six of seven World Cup games. Their midfield control was key in the semi-final, where they overwhelmed France.
Q: Who are Spain's key players? Teenage forward Lamine Yamal has scored one goal in the tournament, but Spain's strength is collective. Defenders like Aymeric Laporte have been part of the unbeaten run – he is one of five European players with the most appearances at the World Cup and European Championship combined without ever losing, all of whom play for Spain.
Q: What is Spain's biggest record? Spain have equalled Italy's all-time record of 37 matches unbeaten in international football. They also have five players who have never lost in major tournaments (World Cup and European Championship combined), more than any other nation.
What happens next: Spain will face the winner of England vs Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday. If England progress, it will be a rematch of the Euro 2024 final. Spain are expected to be favourites, having hit peak form at the right time and demonstrated a defensive resilience that has made them difficult to beat.