World No. 1 Spain has set a new national record for consecutive games without defeat, stretching its unbeaten streak to 30 matches less than a year before the FIFA World Cup
SEVILLE, Spain – Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is keeping his feet on the ground despite the scintillating form that has made his team favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and established a new national record for consecutive games without defeat.
The world’s top-ranked team extended its unbeaten streak to 30 matches with a 4-0 victory over Georgia on Saturday, November 15, surpassing the 29-game record previously held by Vicente del Bosque’s golden generation between 2010 and 2013.
Spain’s run includes a perfect European Championship campaign where it won all seven games to claim a record fourth title in Germany last year.
Spain has also dominated its World Cup qualifying group, winning all five matches while scoring 19 goals and maintaining clean sheets throughout.
Its maximum 15 points from Group E games means it has virtually secured automatic qualification for the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States next summer, with second-placed Turkey needing to beat Spain, 7-0, on Tuesday to claim the group.
Speaking to reporters on Monday ahead of that game in Seville, De la Fuente acknowledged the pressure that comes with being the bookies’ tournament favorites but urged perspective.
“It’s a case of being among the favorites. Success is having chances to fight to win. There’s a very fine line between winning and losing,” De la Fuente said. “There’s no such thing as a clear favorite in a World Cup. Previously, football focused on other teams, but now Spain is among the favorites.”
The manager attributed Spain’s success to systematic excellence across the national football structure.
“The secret is excellent work in football in general. In the top clubs and in the federation, there is a specific idea and model of play. Training, investment, and belief in an idea,” he explained.
Despite Spain’s commanding position, De la Fuente insisted there would be no squad rotation against Turkey.
“We approach this match with a great sense of responsibility. For prestige. To showcase what we have achieved. We want to remain No. 1 in the world,” he said. “There will be no gifts. Here, people have to earn their place. Everyone wants to play and everyone has earned it and deserves it.”
