Spain Sets Historic World Cup Record at 2026 Tournament

De la Fuente's Unprecedented Achievement

According to Главком: Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente has set a new benchmark for victories in major international tournaments after his team defeated Belgium 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. This victory marks a significant milestone on Spain's path to further glory.

Under de la Fuente's leadership, Spain has played 13 matches across World Cup and European Championship competitions, securing 12 wins and one draw. This remarkable record now stands as the best ever achieved by a national team coach. Midfielder Mikel Merino proved instrumental in the victory, scoring the decisive goal in the quarterfinal. In doing so, he became the first player in World Cup history to score two winning goals in separate knockout matches after coming off the bench.

Semifinal Showdown Looms

Spain now faces a semifinal clash against France, who defeated Morocco in their quarterfinal matchup. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at 22:00 Kyiv time. De la Fuente took charge of the Spanish national team in 2022 and has already guided them to victory at Euro 2024 and the 2023 Nations League.

De la Fuente's record-breaking run underscores his successful tenure with the squad and highlights Spain's exceptional preparation standards. The upcoming semifinal against France promises to be an intense battle, as both teams boast strong lineups and extensive international experience. This fixture could prove to be a defining moment in the coach's career and Spanish football history, as the team aims to replicate its previous successes on the global stage.

As Spain advances to face France in the semifinals, the significance of Mikel Merino's historic achievement cannot be understated. His record-setting performance not only highlights his individual talent but also emphasizes the team's collective strength. For a deeper look at how Spain secured its place in the semifinals and the implications of Merino's milestone, check out this article on Spain's remarkable journey to the World Cup semifinals.