FIFA World Cup: What to know about Spain as they advance to the final

Spain has advanced to the final in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 2-0 at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday. 

Here’s what to know about the team.

When was the last time Spain made the World Cup final?

Before this year, Spain had reached the World Cup final only once in their history, which was in 2010, according to FIFA. 

A victory today would secure their second-ever appearance in a World Cup final.

When was the last time they won the World Cup?

Spain has won the World Cup once.

They took home the trophy at the 2010 tournament in South Africa by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time.

When was the last time they made the semifinals?

Prior to this 2026 tournament, the last time Spain reached the semifinal stage was also in 2010 (where they beat Germany 1-0 to advance to the final). 

How many times have they finished in the top four?

Including this year, Spain has only reached the final four of the World Cup three times in history:

• 1950: Finished in 4th place.
• 2010: Finished as champions.
• 2026: Guaranteed at least a top-four finish this year.

Spain is a soccer powerhouse

Even though Spain only has one World Cup trophy, they are a force to be reckoned with in European soccer with their core group of young players: Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. 

They won Euro 2024 just two years ago and hold the record for the most European Championship titles in history with four. 

If they win the World Cup this year, they will hold both the European and World titles at the same time.