Spain set international football record with 40-match unbeaten run

Spain made history by extending their unbeaten run to 40 matches with a 4-1 victory over Croatia in Seville on Tuesday, while also matching their longest winning streak under manager Luis de la Fuente.

The Nations League Group A match, played in Group 3, saw Spain continue their impressive form with a convincing win against their visitors. The result also strengthened their remarkable record during De la Fuente’s time in charge.

According to Squawka, Spain are the first men’s national team in international football history to complete 40 consecutive matches without defeat. Their sequence includes victories and draws, and has coincided with success at major tournaments.

Spain won Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup during the unbeaten run, adding those two trophies to a period of sustained success for the national side.

The win over Croatia was Spain’s ninth in a row across all competitions. Opta said that sequence equalled the team’s best run of victories since De la Fuente became manager, after they also won nine successive matches between June and July 2024.

Spain’s latest result also moved them closer to the top of the Nations League’s all-time winning list. Portugal and Greece lead the competition’s rankings with 19 victories each, while France and Spain have both recorded 18 wins.

Despite trailing those teams in total victories, Spain now hold the competition’s scoring record. Stats Foot reported that the goal against Croatia was Spain’s 70th in Nations League history, more than any other team has scored in the tournament.

Fabian Ruiz also reached an unusual international milestone during the match. The Spain midfielder has now played 52 senior international games without suffering a defeat.

His record consists of 37 wins and 15 draws, making Ruiz the player with the most appearances for a national team without ever losing, according to Stats Foot.

The 4-1 result extended Spain’s winning sequence and preserved their historic unbeaten record, while De la Fuente’s side continued to combine tournament success with a significant collection of team and individual milestones.