Spain continues to impress at the 2026 World Cup, and, in addition to advancing to the quarterfinals at Portugal’s expense, is making sure to make history as well.

The “Furia Roja” prevailed 1-0 thanks to a goal by Mikel Merino in stoppage time and has now gone 35 consecutive games without a loss in all competitions, tying the longest unbeaten streak in its history. The previous record was set by the legendary team of the 2007–2009 era, which went on to win Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012.

Now, the Spaniards are just a breath away from a new national record, as qualifying for the semifinals would bring their streak to 36 unbeaten games. At the same time, they are chasing Italy’s all-time European record, as Italy remained undefeated for 37 consecutive matches from 2018 to 2021.

As if that weren’t enough, Luis de la Fuente’s team achieved yet another unique feat. By keeping a clean sheet against Portugal, it became the first national team in World Cup history to keep its net untouched in six consecutive matches.

This impressive streak began in the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, when Spain drew 0-0 with Morocco (before being eliminated in a penalty shootout), and continued in this year’s tournament against Cape Verde (0-0), Saudi Arabia (4-0), Uruguay (1-0), Austria (3-0), and now Portugal (1-0).

The last time Spain conceded a goal in the World Cup knockout stage was on December 1, 2022, in a 2-1 loss to Japan during the group stage in Qatar.

*photo source: AP