Spain just lost once in the World Cup Qualifiers, image: Spain National Team/via X
(The Post News) – Spain are set to kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Bulgaria, entering the road to the tournament with one of the most impressive records in international football. Since 1993, La Roja have lost just once in World Cup qualifiers, underlining their status as one of Europe’s most reliable teams in this competition.
With less than a year to go until the global showpiece, Spain will start their journey with two tricky away fixtures against Bulgaria and Turkey. Despite the challenging schedule, history and form suggest the reigning European champions should navigate the group comfortably. According to, Spain have played 69 matches in World Cup qualifying since 1993, losing only once.
That lone defeat came in September 2021, on matchday four of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Under then-coach Luis Enrique, Spain faced Sweden away from home. Carlos Soler gave Spain an early lead just four minutes in, but Alexander Isak and Viktor Claesson completed a comeback to hand La Roja a 2-1 defeat.
The result briefly left Spain vulnerable, sitting second in their group and staring at the possibility of going through the play-offs. But the squad responded with resilience, winning crucial games and ultimately qualifying directly.
Only four players from that squad remain in Luis de la Fuente’s current setup Unai Simón, Ferran Torres, Álvaro Morata, and Rodri. Big names like Sergio Busquets, Gerard Moreno, Jordi Alba, and Koke have since stepped aside, marking a generational shift.
Spain’s dominance in World Cup qualifying is underlined by their perfect home record. Across history, they have never lost a qualifier on Spanish soil, boasting 50 wins and 10 draws. Memorable nights at the Santiago Bernabéu and other stadiums have highlighted their control, including a famous 3-0 win over Italy in 2017, powered by Isco Alarcón’s dazzling performance.
Their struggles have traditionally come away from home. All 12 defeats in World Cup qualifiers have happened on foreign soil. The first came in 1954 against Turkey, and the most recent was in Sweden in 2021.
1954 | Turkey 1-0 Spain
1957 | Scotland 4-2 Spain
1965 | Republic of Ireland 1-0 Spain
1969 | Belgium 2-1 Spain
1969 | Finland 2-0 Spain
1974 | Yugoslavia 1-0 Spain
1977 | Romania 1-0 Spain
1984 | Scotland 3-1 Spain
1985 | Wales 3-0 Spain
1989 | Republic of Ireland 1-0 Spain
1993 | Denmark 1-0 Spain
2021 | Sweden 2-1 Spain
This list shows that while La Roja occasionally stumble abroad, their ability to bounce back is unmatched. Since their last defeat, Spain have gone unbeaten in qualifiers, making them one of the most formidable sides in the competition.
Luis de la Fuente’s appointment has ushered in a blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership. While stalwarts like Busquets and Alba have moved on, Spain’s backbone remains strong, anchored by Rodri, arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football.
With youngsters such as Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams coming through, Spain look well-positioned to extend their dominance in World Cup qualifiers. The tactical evolution under De la Fuente has been pragmatic yet creative, ensuring La Roja maintain control while finding more cutting-edge efficiency in attack.
Spain’s record is not just about statistics; it reflects consistency, resilience, and tactical adaptability across generations. From the golden era of Xavi, Iniesta, and Casillas to today’s emerging stars, the national team has shown the ability to evolve without compromising results.
For fans, this record provides reassurance ahead of the new qualifying campaign. While the group may pose challenges, Spain’s history suggests they are unlikely to falter. Their stability and ability to perform under pressure make them perennial contenders, not just in Europe but on the world stage.
As Spain begin their World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey, they carry an extraordinary record. Just one defeat in the last 69 matches since 1993. For a team that has redefined international football with tiki-taka brilliance and a new generation of stars, the path ahead looks promising.
La Roja’s dominance in qualifiers highlights not just their talent but also their consistency across decades. And if history is any indicator, Spain are once again set to march towards the World Cup with confidence and authority.
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