This Article Was Last Updated: July 22, 2026 by Victor Odia
Spain have won the FIFA World Cup twice, lifting the trophy in 2010 and 2026. Their first success came in South Africa under Vicente del Bosque, while their second arrived after beating Argentina in the 2026 final in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Spain are among Europe’s most successful national teams, having also won multiple UEFA European Championship titles and the UEFA Nations League.
Spain World Cup Winners List
| Year | Host | Opponent | Result |
| 2010 | South Africa | Netherlands | Spain won 1-0 (AET) |
| 2026 | United States, Canada & Mexico | Argentina | Spain won 1-0 (AET) |
They have reached the FIFA World Cup final twice and won both, giving them a 100 per cent record in World Cup finals.
How Many FIFA World Cups Have Spain Won?
Spain have won the FIFA World Cup two times.
For decades, Spain carried the reputation of underachieving at major tournaments despite producing many talented players. They regularly reached the knockout stages but failed to challenge consistently for football’s biggest prize.
Everything changed in 2010 when a generation featuring Iker Casillas, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos and David Villa guided La Roja to their first World Cup title.
Spain waited another 16 years before adding a second trophy. In 2026, a younger generation led by Rodri, Pedri, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal returned Spain to the top of world football with victory over Argentina after extra time.
Spain’s First FIFA World Cup Title in 2010
Spain won their first FIFA World Cup at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
Vicente del Bosque’s side entered the competition as European champions after winning UEFA Euro 2008. Although Spain lost their opening group match to Switzerland, they recovered quickly and grew stronger with every knockout game.
Spain defeated Portugal in the Round of 16 before overcoming Paraguay in the quarter-finals. They then beat Germany 1-0 in the semi-finals thanks to Carles Puyol’s powerful header.
The final against the Netherlands remained goalless for 116 minutes before Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal from Cesc Fàbregas’ pass. The victory secured Spain’s first World Cup and completed one of the greatest periods in the country’s football history.
Spain’s Second FIFA World Cup Title in 2026
Spain lifted their second FIFA World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente’s team controlled possession throughout the match and created far more chances than the defending champions. Argentina relied heavily on goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who made a World Cup final record 11 saves to keep his side in the contest.
Substitute Ferran Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute after combining with Pedro Porro and Nico Williams. Argentina’s hopes faded further when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card early in extra time.
The victory ended Spain’s 16-year wait for another World Cup title and confirmed the country’s return to the summit of international football.
Every Spain FIFA World Cup Final
Spain have played in two FIFA World Cup finals.
2010 FIFA World Cup Final
- Opponent: Netherlands
- Venue: Soccer City, Johannesburg
- Result: Spain won 1-0 after extra time
- Winning scorer: Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta’s famous goal remains one of the most iconic moments in Spanish football history.
2026 FIFA World Cup Final
- Opponent: Argentina
- Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium
- Result: Spain won 1-0 after extra time
- Winning scorer: Ferran Torres
La Roja dominated possession and chances before Torres delivered the decisive goal in extra time.
Spain World Cup History
Spain made their FIFA World Cup debut in 1934.
For many years they struggled to match expectations despite producing technically gifted teams. Their best finish before 2010 came in 1950 when they placed fourth.
Spain became a global force during the late 2000s. Their possession-based football transformed international football and helped them win UEFA Euro 2008, the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and UEFA Euro 2012.
After disappointing exits in 2014, 2018 and 2022, Spain rebuilt around a younger generation. Players such as Rodri, Pedri, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal formed the core of a new team that lifted the World Cup again in 2026.
Spain World Cup Record
| Statistic | Record |
| FIFA World Cup titles | 2 |
| First World Cup title | 2010 |
| Most recent World Cup title | 2026 |
| World Cup final appearances | 2 |
| World Cup final wins | 2 |
| Best finish before winning | Fourth (1950) |
| First World Cup appearance | 1934 |
Spain’s Greatest FIFA World Cup Players
Several football legends have shaped Spain’s World Cup success.
Iker Casillas captained Spain to their first World Cup title and produced crucial saves throughout the 2010 tournament.
Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 final against the Netherlands, securing one of the most famous victories in Spanish football.
Xavi Hernández controlled Spain’s midfield and became the symbol of the country’s possession-based style.
David Villa finished as Spain’s leading scorer at the 2010 tournament with five goals.
Rodri led Spain’s midfield during their victorious 2026 campaign and played a central role throughout the competition.
Pedri, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres formed the attacking core of Spain’s second World Cup-winning generation.
Spain’s Road to Becoming World Champions
Spain’s two World Cup triumphs came through different generations but shared similar qualities.
The 2010 champions dominated matches through patient possession, technical excellence and defensive organisation. They won every knockout match by a single goal and conceded only twice during the tournament.
The 2026 champions combined possession football with greater attacking speed. Rodri controlled midfield while Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal stretched defences with their pace and creativity. Ferran Torres provided the decisive moment in the final, giving Spain another World Cup trophy after 16 years.
Spain World Cup Winners FAQ
How many FIFA World Cups have Spain won?
Spain have won the FIFA World Cup twice, in 2010 and 2026.
Who did Spain beat to win the 2010 World Cup?
Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time.
Who did Spain beat to win the 2026 World Cup?
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time.
Who scored Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final?
Andrés Iniesta scored in the 116th minute.
Who scored Spain’s winning goal in the 2026 World Cup final?
Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute.
Has Spain ever lost a FIFA World Cup final?
No. Spain have won both World Cup finals they have played.
