Spain officially set a new world record for the longest unbeaten streak in men’s international football on Tuesday night, reaching 40 games without defeat following a 4-1 victory over Croatia. The milestone surpasses the previous record of 37 matches held by Italy and cements the reigning world champions’ status as the most dominant force in the modern game.
The record-breaking win in the Nations League featured a standout performance from Lamine Yamal, who scored twice and provided an assist. The result follows a 3-2 victory against England at Wembley just three days prior. Despite the unprecedented run of success, manager Luis de la Fuente maintained a demanding tone, describing himself as a “perfectionist” who refuses to let the squad become complacent.
Speaking after the match, De la Fuente emphasized that the team’s current form is a baseline rather than a ceiling. “We don’t want to die of success,” the manager stated, suggesting that the pressure to maintain these standards is what drives the group forward. The 40-game streak dates back to March 2024, with Spain’s last defeat occurring in a 1-0 friendly loss to Colombia.
A Statistical Era of Dominance
Spain’s current run is distinguished not just by its length but by the caliber of opposition. During this 40-match span, the team captured the Euro 2024 title and the 2026 World Cup, where they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final on July 19. They have also maintained a relentless winning pace, currently sitting on a nine-game winning streak in all competitions.
For the purposes of the unbeaten record, Spain’s Nations League final loss to Portugal—which was decided on penalties—is officially recorded as a draw, allowing the streak to remain intact.
The individual brilliance of Lamine Yamal has been a primary catalyst for this record-setting period. His form has positioned him as a frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, alongside Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, with the winner set to be announced on October 26.
The record-breaking victory over Croatia on September 29 showcased Spain’s ability to dismantle elite European opposition. While Italy’s previous mark of 37 games was set between 2018 and 2021, Spain’s 40-game run has seen them hold both the European and World titles simultaneously, a feat that adds significant weight to the statistical achievement.
Spain will look to extend their record to 41 matches when they face Czechia on Saturday, October 3. With the perfectionist mindset instilled by De la Fuente, the squad appears focused on widening the gap between themselves and the rest of the international field as they continue their Nations League campaign.
