Spain's 2-0 win over France in the World Cup semi-final extended their unbeaten run in normal and extra time to 37 matches, equalling the best such streak by a European nation and setting up a final against Argentina. The achievement is remarkable given Spain's status as reigning champions of European football over the past two decades, though it comes with a caveat: they lost the 2025 Nations League final to Portugal on penalties, meaning their record, unlike Italy's matching run under Roberto Mancini, is not a true unbeaten streak in all competitions.

The run began after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in March 2024 and has included 11 matches against fellow heavyweights Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal. Marc Cucurella has featured most among the 62 players Luis de la Fuente has used, ahead of Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal, while Fabián Ruiz holds an even longer individual unbeaten record of 49 caps. Argentina, their opponents in the final, have won all 14 matches of their own unbeaten run, but have also lost three times since Spain's last defeat, leaving recent history favouring Spain.