Spain’s victorious win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup took the world by storm, and Spaniards around the globe can hold their heads up high for the well-deserved second star on their shirt.
The final of this year’s World Cup was held on Sunday 19th July in New York, which confronted Spain vs Argentina. Spain won 1-0, being crowned the best team in the world. However, has Spain always been this good at football?
Well, anyone who has followed football in the last two decades can confirm that Spain has consistently been on top. They famously won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa which was after their impressive 2008 win at the EuroCup and followed by another win in 2012 EuroCup, a record no male football team has been able to beat ( three consecutive wins in major tournaments). Over 20 years down the line, Spain goes on to win the 2024 EuroCup followed yet again by the recent win this year. Two world-class teams, with strategic direction has led Spain to be champions all these times.
Nevertheless, what was Spanish football like before the 21st century? All us Brits have sung ‘Football is coming home’ since our win in 1966, but where was Spain during these years?
The first ever World Cup was celebrated in Uruguay in 1930 and it wasn’t until the following one in 1934 that Spain qualified. This led to off and on appearances from the Spanish team with some years failing to even qualify for the event. Since 1974, Spain has qualified for the World Cup without fail, starting to make a name for themselves in International football. Before 2010, their best performance had been in 1950 where they came in fourth place.
It’s not only in male football that Spain is crowned in, as Spain’s Women’s football team won their first FIFA World Cup in 2023 and their first EuroCup in 2025, making Spain champions across the board.
Spain is recognized world wide in the football industry, not only due to their triumphs in International Cups but also for their very competitive clubs, which many footballers dream of joining. Real Madrid FC, Barcelona FC and Atletico Club are the top three in the Spanish region. Some very recognized and celebrated international football faces have developed in their career in Spanish Football clubs, such as Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid, Lionel Messi in Barcelona, Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid and David Beckam in Real Madrid, amongst many more.
They participate in La Liga, the Professional football league in Spain, the Champions League amongst other European trophies. The most famous match in Spain is El Clasico, a very heated confrontation between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
It is safe to say Spain is in their ‘prime’ and are dominating in all areas, both nationally and internationally, in male sport and female sport. If you miss the World Cup why don’t you pick a La Liga football club to support this season! We will all be waiting for the Euros in 2028 to see if the famous triple win occurs again… Viva España! We chatted and played football in our recent episode.
