Spain’s triumph at the 2024 European Championship was a massive statement of intent by a team which many people believe is the best in the world.
That point is hammered home by the World Cup betting odds at Spreadex, who have tipped La Roya to be the top scoring team at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.
Intriguingly, Spain are rated as the 5/1 second favourites behind France to lift the trophy. Given the quality in each squad, it would be no surprise if they met in the final on July 19.
Read on as we look at Spain’s previous record in World Cup tournaments, before assessing their chances of lifting the prestigious trophy this summer.
Spain at the FIFA World Cup
|
Year |
Round of 16 |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
|
1930 |
Did not enter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1934 |
Quarter-finals |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
|
1938 |
Rejected by FIFA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1950 |
Fourth place |
6 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
10 |
12 |
|
1954 |
Did not qualify |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1958 |
Did not qualify |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1961 |
Group stage |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
1966 |
Group stage |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
|
1970 |
Did not qualify |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1974 |
Did not qualify |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1978 |
Group stage |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
1982 |
Second group stage |
5 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
|
1986 |
Quarter-finals |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
4 |
|
1990 |
Round of 16 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
|
1994 |
Quarter-finals |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
10 |
6 |
|
1998 |
Group stage |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
4 |
|
2002 |
Quarter-finals |
5 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
10 |
5 |
|
2006 |
Round of 16 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
9 |
4 |
|
2010 |
Champions |
7 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
|
2014 |
Group stage |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
|
2018 |
Round of 16 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
6 |
|
2022 |
Round of 16 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
9 |
3 |
Spain strongly fancied to emerge victorious
Spain swept all before them at Euro 2024, clinching the title by winning all seven games. They were imperious against England in the final.
Their performance made a mockery of suggestions that the Three Lions could be contenders in North America this summer.
England’s solitary World Cup success was on home soil in 1966 and they have repeatedly come up short in major international tournaments since then.
By contrast, Spain have cemented their status as one of the top footballing nations in the world and look a good bet to lift the trophy this summer.
No European team has every won the World Cup on North American soil, but Spain have a track record of rewriting football history.
Their memorable 2010 success in South Africa made them the first European team to lift the cup outside of the continent.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have only lost twice in over two years, which is a formidable record when considering the quality of teams at the top end of international football.
They have been drawn in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, which gives them a golden opportunity to reach the knockout stage.
Spain should have qualified for the round of 32 by the time they face Uruguay, which will allow De la Fuente to rotate his squad.
France are expected to be the biggest threat to Spain. They have reached the last two finals, winning one, and have the ability to make a deep run in North America.
Argentina, Brazil, Germany and Portugal should also be competitive, but Spain have enough depth in their squad to see off their respective challenges.
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal has been a standout performer for Spain, bagging 11 goals and five assists in his past ten international appearances.
He is guaranteed to have plenty of chances to add to his tally, with Spain’s squad packed with players who have the ability to unlock tight defences.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri will orchestrate proceedings from the middle of the park, while club teammate Lamine Yamal should sparkle on the right flank.
The 18-year-old has established himself as key player for club and country and will relish the opportunity to showcase his talents on the biggest stage this summer.
Having suffered early exits from the last three World Cups, Spain will be desperate to set the record straight in the latest edition of the tournament.
Their cause was not helped in 2018 and 2022 by off-field headlines featuring then-coaches Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique, but there are no such concerns surrounding De la Fuente.
He has got everyone singing from the same hymn sheet, which gives Spain every chance of winning the World Cup. It would be a brave move to back against them achieving the feat.
