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Spain national football team facts for kids

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Spain
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname La Roja (The Red One)
Association Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Luis de la Fuente
Captain Rodri
Most caps Sergio Ramos (180)
Top scorer David Villa (59)
Home stadium Various
FIFA code ESP
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 9 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 1 (July 2008 – June 2009, October 2009 – March 2010, July 2010 – July 2011, October 2011 – July 2014, September 2025 – April 2026)
Lowest 25 (March 1998)
First international
 Spain 1–0 Denmark 
(Forest, Belgium; 28 August 1920)
Biggest win
 Spain 13–0 Bulgaria 
(Madrid, Spain; 22 August 1933)
Biggest defeat
 Italy 7–1 Spain 
(Amsterdam, Netherlands; 4 June 1928)
 England 7–1 Spain 
(London, England; 9 December 1931)
World Cup
Appearances 17 (first in 1934)
Best result Champions (2010)
European Championship
Appearances 12 (first in 1964)
Best result Champions (1964, 2008, 2012, 2024)
Nations League Finals
Appearances 3 (first in 2021)
Best result Champions (2023)
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Appearances 1 (first in 2026)
Best result Cancelled (2026)
Confederations Cup
Appearances 2 (first in 2009)
Best result Runners-up (2013)
Medal record
Men's football
FIFA World Cup
Gold 2010 South Africa Team
FIFA Confederations Cup
Silver 2013 Brazil Team
Bronze 2009 South Africa Team
Olympic Games
Silver 1920 Amberes Team
European Championship
Gold 1964 Spain Team
Gold 2008 Austria and Switzerland Team
Gold 2012 Poland and Ukraine Team
Gold 2024 Germany Team
Silver 1984 France Team
Bronze 2020 Europe Team
UEFA Nations League
Gold 2023 Netherlands Team
Silver 2021 Italy Team
Silver 2025 Germany Team

The Spain national football team (also known as Selección Española de Fútbol) represents Spain in international football games. The Royal Spanish Football Federation manages the team. Spain is one of the most successful football teams in history.

They have played in the FIFA World Cup many times since 1978. Spain won the World Cup in 2010. This made them one of only eight teams to become world champions. Spain has also played in many European Championships. They are the current European champions, winning their fourth title in 2024.

After winning the 2023 UEFA Nations League, Spain became the second team to win three big titles: the World Cup, the European Championship, and the Nations League. Spain is also one of only two countries to win both the men's and women's World Cups. They also held the top spot in both men's and women's rankings from September 2025 to April 2026.

Spain is the most successful European team of the 21st century. They won a World Cup, a Nations League, and three European Championships since 2008. Many experts believe the teams from 2008 to 2012 were among the best ever. During this time, Spain was the first team to win three major titles in a row. This included two European Championships back-to-back in 2008 and 2012. They were also the first European team to win a World Cup outside Europe. Spain was named FIFA Team of the Year several times. They also had a record of 35 undefeated matches in a row. Spain achieved this same undefeated streak again by the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Their last loss was in a friendly match in March 2024.

History of the Spanish National Football Team

Spain national football team in the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp
Spain's national football team at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp.

Spain joined FIFA in 1904. The first Spanish national football team started in 1920. Their goal was to represent Spain at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Belgium. Spain played their first game on August 28, 1920, against Denmark. They won 1–0 and earned a silver medal at the Olympics.

Spain first played in the FIFA World Cup in 1934. They beat Brazil in their first game. They then lost to the host country, Italy, in the quarter-finals. Due to difficult times in the world, Spain did not play many competitive matches until 1950. In the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, they finished in fourth place. This was their best World Cup result until 2010.

Spain won its first big international title in 1964. They hosted the 1964 European Nations' Cup and beat the Soviet Union 2–1 in the final. This victory was Spain's only major title for 44 years. Spain hosted the 1982 FIFA World Cup and reached the second round. Four years later, in 1986, they reached the quarter-finals but lost in a penalty shootout. In UEFA Euro 1984, they lost the final to France.

In the 1994 World Cup, Spain reached the quarter-finals. There was a controversial moment in that match where a foul was missed. In the 2002 World Cup, Spain won all their group games. They then beat Ireland in a penalty shootout. In the quarter-finals, they lost to co-hosts South Korea in another shootout.

World Cup celebration - 2
Spain celebrates winning the 2010 World Cup with a parade in Madrid.

At UEFA Euro 2008, Spain won all their group games. They beat Italy in the quarter-finals on penalties. Then they defeated Russia 3–0 in the semi-finals. In the final, Spain beat Germany 1–0. Fernando Torres scored the winning goal. This was Spain's first major title since 1964. Xavi was named the best player of the tournament.

The team finished third at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup the next year. This ended their 35-match unbeaten streak. In the 2010 World Cup, Spain reached the final for the first time. They beat Germany 1–0 in the semi-finals. In the final against the Netherlands, Andrés Iniesta scored the only goal in extra time. Spain became world champions, the first European team to win a World Cup outside Europe.

Spain then qualified for UEFA Euro 2012 with a perfect record. They became the first team to win the European Championship twice in a row. They won the final 4–0 against Italy. Fernando Torres was the top scorer.

Spain reached the final of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup but lost to Brazil. In the 2014 World Cup, they were eliminated in the group stage. At Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, Spain lost in the Round of 16. In UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021), Spain reached the semi-finals. They lost to Italy in a penalty shootout. They also reached the Nations League final that year, losing to France. In the 2022 World Cup, Spain lost to Morocco in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16.

Spain had a great run in UEFA Euro 2024. They won all their group games without letting in any goals. They beat Georgia 4–1 in the Round of 16. They then defeated hosts Germany 2–1 in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, they beat France 2–1. Spain reached their fifth European Championship final. They won their record-breaking fourth European title by beating England 2–1. Spain was the first team to win all seven matches in a single European Championship. They also set a new record with 15 goals scored.

Spain continued their success in the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League. They beat Netherlands in the quarter-finals and France in the semi-finals. This led them to their third overall Nations League final. They extended their undefeated record to 23 matches. In the final, Spain played Portugal. The game ended 2–2 after extra time, and Spain lost in a penalty shootout.

Spain qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning their group. They also won their group in the World Cup itself without letting in any goals. In the Round of 32, Spain beat Austria 3–0. Their goalkeeper, Unai Simón, set a world record. He had six clean sheets in a row, playing 609 minutes without conceding a goal. Spain beat Portugal 1–0 in the Round of 16. This win matched their previous record of 35 consecutive undefeated matches. Spain reached the quarter-finals for the first time since their 2010 World Cup win.

Team Identity and Style

Team Nicknames

Spain's team was once called "La furia española" (the Spanish Fury). This name came from a Dutch newspaper. Today, the team is sometimes called "La furia roja" (the Red Fury). But in Spain, they are most often called "La Roja" (the Red squad).

Playing Style: Tiki-taka

Spain Euro 08 celebration 3
Spain, UEFA Euro 2008 winners.
2010 FIFA World Cup Spain with cup
Spain's players celebrate winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Spain national football team Euro 2012 trophy 02
Spain, UEFA Euro 2012 winners.

Between 2008 and 2012, Spain played a special style of football called 'tiki-taka'. This style focuses on teamwork and understanding the field. Tiki-taka means making your way to the goal with short passes and lots of movement. It's about carefully moving the ball through different areas of the field.

This style involves players moving around and swapping positions. They pass the ball in complex patterns, using quick one- or two-touch passes. Tiki-taka is good for both defense and offense. The team always has the ball, so they don't need to switch between defending and attacking. It's known for being creative and skillful.

Spain used tiki-taka to win Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012. These teams are considered some of the best in football history.

Celebrando la cuarta Eurocopa de la selección española. Madrid, 15 de julio de 2024
Spain, UEFA Euro 2024 winners.

Spain kept possession of the ball more than their opponents in all matches from 2008 to 2024. This is a record of 136 games.

Team Kits and Crest

Spain's home kit is usually a red jersey with yellow details, dark blue shorts, and black socks. Their away kit is mostly yellow, but used to be white. The color of the home socks has changed over the years, sometimes matching the shorts or shirt, but returned to black in the mid-2010s.

Brands like Adidas and Le Coq Sportif have made Spain's kits. Instead of the Spanish Football Federation logo, the jersey shows the country's coat of arms. After winning the 2010 World Cup, a World Cup winners badge and a golden star were added to the jersey.

Kit Suppliers

Spain football team in 2025
Spain on September 4, 2025.
Kit supplier Period Notes
None 1920–1935
Spain Deportes Cóndor 1935–1966
England Umbro 1966
Spain Deportes Cóndor 1967–1981
West Germany Adidas 1981–1983
France Le Coq Sportif 1984–1990
Germany Adidas 1991–present Current until 2030

Home Stadiums

Spain does not have one main national stadium. They play their games in different cities. The biggest stadiums are in Madrid (Bernabéu and Metropolitano), Seville (Pizjuán, Villamarín and La Cartuja), Valencia (Mestalla and Orriols), and Barcelona (Camp Nou and Montjuïc). These cities have hosted many national team matches.

Other friendly matches and qualifying games against smaller teams are played in smaller stadiums across the country.

Team Rivalries

Spain has rivalries with seven other countries. Four of these are Europe's "Big Five" nations. The others are with their neighbors Portugal and Morocco, and with the Netherlands.

  • Their rivalry with Italy is called the "Mediterranean derby." It started in 1920 at the Olympic Games. Spain won that first game. This rivalry is strong because both countries have successful clubs in European competitions. Spain won 4–0 against Italy in the UEFA Euro 2012 final. Spain has won more games overall against Italy.
  • Their rivalry with Portugal is known as the "Iberian derby." It began in 1921. Spain won the first game 3–1. Spain has a better record in this rivalry, with more wins and draws. Their most recent competitive match was a 1–0 win for Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
  • Their rivalry with France is sometimes called the "Pyrenean derby." It started in 1922. Spain won the first game 4–0. Their first competitive game was the UEFA Euro 1984 final, which France won. Spain has won more games overall, especially in the 21st century.
  • Their rivalry with England began in 1929. Spain won their first game 4–3. They met in the 1950 World Cup, where Spain won 1–0. They also played in the 1982 World Cup, which was a 0–0 draw. At the UEFA Euro 2024 final, Spain beat England 2–1 to win their fourth European title. England has won more games overall in this rivalry.
  • Their rivalry with Germany started in 1935. Spain won their first game 2–1. They first met in a competitive game at the 1966 FIFA World Cup, which West Germany won. Since Germany reunited in 1990, Spain has not lost to Germany in competitive matches. This includes wins in the UEFA Euro 2008 final, the 2010 World Cup semi-final, the 2020–21 Nations League, and the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The overall record between them is tied.
  • Their rivalry with the Netherlands has grown recently. Spain beat the Dutch 3–1 in the 1920 Summer Olympics final. They met again in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, where Spain won their first World Cup. Four years later, in the 2014 World Cup, the Netherlands beat Spain 5–1. In the 2025 Nations League, Spain won a penalty shootout against the Dutch.
  • Their rivalry with Morocco has also become more important recently. They first met in the 1962 World Cup qualifiers, with Spain winning both games. In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, they drew 2–2. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco eliminated Spain in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16. Both countries, along with Portugal, will host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Recent Matches and Upcoming Games

Here are Spain's match results from the last year and their upcoming games.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2025 Matches

Spain played six qualification matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in 2025. They won five of these matches and drew one. They secured their spot in the World Cup by topping their group.

2026 Matches

Spain played four friendly matches in early 2026, winning two and drawing two. They then began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Spain drew their first group stage match against Cape Verde, but then won their next two group matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, securing first place in their group. In the knockout stages, Spain defeated Austria 3–0 in the Round of 32 and Portugal 1–0 in the Round of 16.

10 July 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals Spain  v  Belgium Inglewood, California, United States
12:00 PDT Stadium: SoFi Stadium
Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
26 September 2026–27 UEFA Nations League England  v  Spain London, England
19:45 UTC+1 Stadium: Wembley Stadium
29 September 2026–27 UEFA Nations League Spain  v  Croatia Seville, Spain
20:45 UTC+2 Stadium: Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán
3 October 2026–27 UEFA Nations League Spain  v  Czech Republic Oviedo, Spain
20:45 UTC+2 Stadium: Estadio Carlos Tartiere
6 October 2026–27 UEFA Nations League Croatia  v  Spain Split, Croatia
20:45 UTC+2 Stadium: Stadion Poljud
12 November 2026–27 UEFA Nations League Czech Republic  v  Spain Prague, Czech Republic
20:45 UTC+1 Stadium: Fortuna Arena
15 November 2026–27 UEFA Nations League Spain  v  England Spain
20:45 UTC+1

Coaching Staff

Luis de la Fuente Castillo - 2023 05 06 Final de la Copa del Rey 0001 (cropped)
Current head coach Luis de la Fuente.

The coaching staff helps the team play its best.

Role Name
Head coach Spain Luis de la Fuente
Assistant coach Spain Juanjo González
Goalkeeping coach Spain Miguel Ángel España
Fitness coach Spain Carlos Alberto Cruz
Chief analyst Spain Pablo Peña
Sporting director Spain Aitor Karanka

Team Players

Current Squad

These 26 players were chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Caps (games played) and goals are updated as of July 6, 2026, after the match against Portugal.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK David Raya (1995-09-15) 15 September 1995 (age 30) 14 0 England Arsenal
13 1GK Joan Garcia (2001-05-04) 4 May 2001 (age 25) 2 0 Spain Barcelona
23 1GK Unai Simón (1997-06-11) 11 June 1997 (age 29) 63 0 Spain Athletic Bilbao

2 2DF Marc Pubill (2003-06-20) 20 June 2003 (age 23) 3 0 Spain Atlético Madrid
3 2DF Álex Grimaldo (1995-09-20) 20 September 1995 (age 30) 14 0 Spain Atlético Madrid
4 2DF Eric García (2001-01-09) 9 January 2001 (age 25) 21 0 Spain Barcelona
5 2DF Marcos Llorente (1995-01-30) 30 January 1995 (age 31) 26 0 Spain Atlético Madrid
12 2DF Pedro Porro (1999-09-14) 14 September 1999 (age 26) 21 1 England Tottenham Hotspur
14 2DF Aymeric Laporte (1994-05-27) 27 May 1994 (age 32) 51 2 Spain Athletic Bilbao
22 2DF Pau Cubarsí (2007-01-22) 22 January 2007 (age 19) 17 0 Spain Barcelona
24 2DF Marc Cucurella (1998-07-22) 22 July 1998 (age 27) 29 1 Spain Real Madrid

6 3MF Mikel Merino (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 30) 48 11 England Arsenal
8 3MF Fabián Ruiz (1996-04-03) 3 April 1996 (age 30) 47 6 France Paris Saint-Germain
9 3MF Gavi (2004-08-05) 5 August 2004 (age 21) 32 5 Spain Barcelona
10 3MF Dani Olmo (1998-05-07) 7 May 1998 (age 28) 55 12 Spain Barcelona
11 3MF Yéremy Pino (2002-10-20) 20 October 2002 (age 23) 25 4 England Crystal Palace
15 3MF Álex Baena (2001-07-20) 20 July 2001 (age 24) 21 3 Spain Atlético Madrid
16 3MF Rodri (Captain) (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 30) 67 4 England Manchester City
18 3MF Martín Zubimendi (1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 (age 27) 26 3 England Arsenal
20 3MF Pedri (2002-11-25) 25 November 2002 (age 23) 46 6 Spain Barcelona

7 4FW Ferran Torres (2000-02-29) 29 February 2000 (age 26) 62 24 Spain Barcelona
17 4FW Nico Williams (2002-07-12) 12 July 2002 (age 24) 33 6 Spain Athletic Bilbao
19 4FW Lamine Yamal (2007-07-13) 13 July 2007 (age 19) 30 7 Spain Barcelona
21 4FW Mikel Oyarzabal (1997-04-21) 21 April 1997 (age 29) 58 29 Spain Real Sociedad
25 4FW Víctor Muñoz (2003-07-13) 13 July 2003 (age 23) 2 1 England Liverpool
26 4FW Borja Iglesias (1993-01-17) 17 January 1993 (age 33) 9 0 Spain Celta Vigo

Player Records

Sergio Ramos has played the most games for Spain, with 180 appearances. Iker Casillas is second with 167 games.

David Villa is Spain's top goalscorer. He scored 59 goals in 98 games between 2005 and 2017. Raúl González is second with 44 goals in 102 games.

Most Games Played

Sergio Ramos Euro 2012 vs France 01
Sergio Ramos holds the record for the most appearances for Spain with 180 games.

Here are the top ten players with the most games for Spain, as of July 6, 2026. Players in bold are still active with Spain.

Rank Player Caps Goals Period
1 Sergio Ramos 180 23 2005–2021
2 Iker Casillas 167 0 2000–2016
3 Sergio Busquets 143 2 2009–2022
4 Xavi 133 13 2000–2014
5 Andrés Iniesta 131 13 2006–2018
6 Andoni Zubizarreta 126 0 1985–1998
7 David Silva 125 35 2006–2018
8 Xabi Alonso 114 16 2003–2014
9 Cesc Fàbregas 110 15 2006–2016
Fernando Torres 110 38 2003–2014
  • Youngest player to play a game: Lamine Yamal (16 years and 57 days)
  • Oldest player to play a game: Jesús Navas (38 years and 231 days)

Top Goalscorers

Spain-Tahiti, Confederations Cup 2013 (02) (Villa crop)
David Villa is Spain's all-time leading goalscorer with 59 goals.

Here are the top ten goalscorers for Spain, as of July 6, 2026.

Rank Player Goals Caps Average Period
1 David Villa (list) 59 98 0.6 2005–2017
2 Raúl (list) 44 102 0.43 1996–2006
3 Fernando Torres (list) 38 110 0.35 2003–2014
4 Álvaro Morata 37 87 0.43 2014–2025
5 David Silva 35 125 0.28 2006–2018
6 Mikel Oyarzabal 29 58 0.5 2016–present
Fernando Hierro 29 89 0.33 1989–2002
8 Fernando Morientes 27 47 0.57 1998–2007
9 Emilio Butragueño 26 69 0.38 1984–1992
10 Ferran Torres 24 62 0.39 2020–present
  • Youngest goalscorer: Lamine Yamal (16 years and 57 days)
  • Oldest goalscorer: Aritz Aduriz (35 years and 274 days)
  • Most goals in one match: Chacho (6 goals) against Bulgaria in 1933.

Team Captains in Major Tournaments

Here are some of Spain's captains in big tournaments:

Team Records

  • Most consecutive wins by a coach from debut: 13 wins by Vicente del Bosque.
  • Most penalty shoot-outs in one World Cup: 2 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
  • Highest points in World Cup qualification: 30 out of 30 in 2010.

Competitive Tournament Records

FIFA World Cup History

Spain has often been a favorite in the World Cup. Their first World Cup was in 1934. They beat Brazil but lost to Italy in the quarter-finals. Before 2010, their best result was fourth place in 1950. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Spain became world champions for the first time. They beat the Netherlands 1–0 in the final.

UEFA European Championship History

Spain has won the most UEFA European Championships, with four titles. They are the only country to win two championships in a row. Spain hosted the tournament once in 1964. They have played in twelve tournaments in total.

Spain won their first international trophy at home in 1964, beating the Soviet Union 2–1. They reached the final again in 1984 but lost to France. Spain won again in 2008, beating Germany 1–0. Four years later, they won back-to-back titles, defeating Italy 4–0 in the final.

It took twelve more years for Spain to reach another European final. In 2024, they played England and won 2–1. This made them the most successful team in the competition's history with four titles. They were also the first team to win all seven matches in a single tournament.

UEFA Nations League History

Since the start of the UEFA Nations League, Spain has always been in League A. They have reached the UEFA Nations League Finals three times. In the 2021 finals, Spain beat Italy in the semi-final but lost to France in the final. In the next tournament, Spain reached the final again by beating Italy. They then won against Croatia in a penalty shootout after a 0–0 draw.

Spain reached a record third final in a row at the 2025 edition. They beat the Netherlands in the quarter-finals and France in the semi-finals. In the final, Spain played Portugal. The game ended 2–2 after extra time, and Spain lost on penalties.

FIFA Confederations Cup History

Spain played in the FIFA Confederations Cup twice. Their first time was in 2009 as European champions. They finished third after losing to the United States in the semi-finals. In the next tournament, Spain qualified as both World and European champions. They reached the final in Brazil but lost 3–0 to the host team.

Olympic Games History

Spain first played in the 1920 Summer Olympics. They played their first international match there, winning 1–0 against Denmark. Spain won a silver medal at the end of that tournament.

Team Honours and Awards

Global Titles

Continental Titles

Special Awards

  • FIFA Team of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2025
  • Laureus World Team of the Year: 2011
  • World Soccer Team of the Year: 2008, 2010, 2012, 2024
  • Prince of Asturias Award for Sports: 2010
  • FIFA World Cup Fair Play Trophy: 2006, 2010, 2018
  • FIFA Confederations Cup Fair Play Award: 2013

Summary of Titles

Competition 1 2 3 Total
FIFA World Cup 1 0 0 1
Olympic Games 0 1 0 1
FIFA Confederations Cup 0 1 1 2
UEFA European Championship 4 1 0 5
UEFA Nations League 1 2 0 3
Total 6 5 1 12

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de España para niños

  • Spain women's national football team
  • Spain national under-23 football team (Olympic football team)
  • Spain national under-21 football team
  • Spain national under-20 football team
  • Spain national under-19 football team
  • Spain national under-18 football team
  • Spain national under-17 football team
  • Spain national under-16 football team
  • Spain national under-15 football team
  • Football in Spain
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