Spain have reached 40 consecutive matches without defeat after their 4-1 win over Croatia, extending a world-record run beyond Italy’s previous mark of 37 games.
Spain make history with record 40-game unbeaten run after Croatia victory
Spain have created another piece of football history after their 4-1 victory over Croatia extended their incredible unbeaten run to 40 consecutive matches.
La Roja produced another dominant performance in the Nations League as Lamine Yamal scored twice to help secure a comfortable win.
But the result was about much more than three points.
Spain have now reached a milestone never previously achieved by a men’s national team in the recognised modern record.
Spain reach 40 games without defeat
The victory over Croatia took Spain’s unbeaten run to:
40 consecutive matches
During that period, Spain have recorded:
31 victories
9 draws
Their last defeat came against Colombia on March 22, 2024.
Since then, Spain have gone more than two years without losing a match in normal or extra time.
Italy’s world record has been left behind
Before Spain’s current run, the recognised world record belonged to Italy.
The Italian national team went:
37 matches unbeaten
between 2018 and 2021.
That run included Italy’s successful Euro 2020 campaign and was officially recognised by UEFA as a world record.
Spain have now moved three matches beyond that mark.
Their latest victory means they have become the first men’s national team to reach 40 consecutive matches without defeat.
Spain destroy Croatia 4-1
Spain reached the historic milestone in impressive fashion.
They defeated Croatia 4-1 in Seville in their latest Nations League match.
Lamine Yamal was once again the star of the show.
The Barcelona winger scored twice as Spain controlled the match and continued their excellent form.
Marc Pubill and Nico Williams were also among the scorers as Croatia struggled to stop Spain’s attack.
The result continued La Roja’s perfect start to the latest Nations League campaign.
Yamal shines again
Yamal’s performance added another memorable chapter to his remarkable international career.
The winger scored twice and played a major role throughout the match.
His goals also helped him reach 10 senior international goals for Spain.
That made him the youngest European player to reach that total since Harald Nielsen of Denmark in 1960.
Yamal also became the youngest Spain player to score at least two goals and provide an assist in the same international match, breaking a record previously held by Raúl.
Spain’s incredible run began in 2024
The current unbeaten streak began after Spain lost 1-0 to Colombia in a friendly in March 2024.
Since then, they have gone through one of the most successful periods in the history of international football.
The run includes:
Euro 2024
World Cup 2026
Nations League matches
International friendlies
Spain have continued winning despite facing many of the strongest teams in Europe and the world.
Other legendary unbeaten runs
Spain’s achievement places them above several legendary national teams.
Among the longest unbeaten runs in men’s international football are:
Spain . 40 matches
Italy . 37 matches
Argentina . 36 matches
Brazil . 35 matches
Spain 2007-2009 . 35 matches
The current Spanish team have therefore gone beyond even the famous generation that dominated world football between 2008 and 2012.
A new golden era for Spain
Spain’s current success is built around a mix of experienced players and young stars.
Players such as Rodri provide leadership and control in midfield.
Meanwhile, talents including Yamal, Nico Williams and other younger players have added speed and creativity to the team.
Luis de la Fuente has managed to combine those qualities into one of the strongest international sides in world football.
The results have followed.
World champions continue to dominate
The Croatia match was also an important occasion because it was Spain’s first home appearance since winning the 2026 World Cup.
Before kick-off, the team celebrated their world title with supporters.
Rodri brought the World Cup trophy onto the pitch as part of the ceremony.
Spain then followed the celebration with another dominant performance.
Instead of slowing down after becoming world champions, La Roja have continued to raise their level.
How long can the record continue?
The biggest question now is how far Spain can extend their historic run.
They have already passed Italy’s previous world record.
They have now reached the landmark figure of 40 matches.
And they continue to look extremely difficult to beat.
Every match from this point will create a new record if Spain remain unbeaten.
After conquering Europe and the world, La Roja have now added another extraordinary achievement to this remarkable era.
Forty matches without defeat. No men’s national team had reached that landmark before Spain.
