Spain's Road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: From Group Stage Grit to Record-Breaking Run, La Roja Eye Second World Cup Crown

Spain are just one win away from becoming world champions once again. The reigning European champions sealed their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after defeating France 2-0 in Arlington on Tuesday (July 14), capping an outstanding campaign that has seen them emerge as the tournament's most complete side.

Luis de la Fuente's men will now face either England or defending champions Argentina in Sunday's final, chasing Spain's first World Cup title since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.

Slow Start, Strong Finish for La Roja

Spain's campaign began cautiously with a goalless draw against Cabo Verde, but it proved to be nothing more than a minor stumble.

La Roja responded emphatically with a 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia before edging Uruguay 1-0 to finish atop Group H without conceding a goal.

That defensive solidity became the foundation of their campaign, with Spain becoming the first team in FIFA World Cup history to keep six clean sheets in a single edition. Even against France in the semi-final, they allowed just 0.3 expected goals (xG) - the lowest by a team in a World Cup semi-final since Brazil limited Sweden to 0.1 xG in 1994.

Knockout Football at Its Best

Spain began the knockout stage with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Austria before surviving one of the toughest tests of the tournament against Portugal.

With the Round of 16 heading towards extra time, supersub Mikel Merino produced a dramatic 91st-minute winner to eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.

The quarter-final against Belgium followed a similar script.

Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead before Charles De Ketelaere scored the only goal Spain have conceded all tournament. Merino once again delivered in the closing stages, netting an 88th-minute winner to send La Roja into the semi-finals.

Spain Outclass France in semis

Against tournament favourites France, Spain produced arguably their finest display of the competition.

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal won an early penalty that Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted before right-back Pedro Porro doubled Spain's advantage in the second half with a clinical finish.

France, led by Kylian Mbappé, failed to score for the first time in the tournament as Spain completed a commanding 2-0 victory to book their place in the World Cup final. It will be Spain's first appearance in the final since lifting the trophy in 2010.

History Made Along the Way

Spain's victory over France carried added significance beyond reaching the final. The win extended La Roja's unbeaten run in regular time to 37 matches (28 wins, nine draws) since March 2024, surpassing the nation's previous record of 35 consecutive unbeaten games set between 2007 and 2009.

The defeat also ended France's run of six consecutive World Cup victories, equalling the streak Les Bleus achieved during their runs to the 2018 title and the 2022 final.

Lamine Yamal's Golden Touch

Already a UEFA Euro winner, Lamine Yamal continues to rewrite the record books. The teenage sensation has now started 12 matches across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, winning all 12. It is the best 100% winning record by any European player to start matches across the two major international tournaments.

While Yamal's numbers don't fully capture his influence, his creativity, fearless dribbling and ability to unsettle defences have been central to Spain's run to the final.

One Match From Immortality

Spain have blended youth and experience throughout the tournament. Mikel Oyarzabal has delivered in big matches, Mikel Merino has repeatedly rescued his side in decisive moments, while Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo and Pedro Porro have all made vital contributions.

At the back, Spain have set the benchmark, conceding only once in seven matches while shutting down elite attacks throughout the tournament.

Now, with only one match remaining, La Roja stand on the brink of history. Victory in Sunday's final would secure Spain's second FIFA World Cup title and complete one of the most dominant World Cup campaigns in modern football.