Reigning world champions Spain opened their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign with a hard-fought victory over England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, extending their remarkable unbeaten run in the process.
La Roja, fresh from their triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, demonstrated the quality that has defined their recent dominance. Lamine Yamal gave Spain an early lead with a clinical finish in the opening minutes after capitalising on a defensive error.
Although England responded strongly through goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane to lead 2-1 at half-time, Spain showed characteristic resilience and quality to secure the three points and maintain their lengthy undefeated streak.
The result marks another successful chapter for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who have now gone nearly two and a half years without a loss in competitive or friendly matches. Spain entered the fixture on a 38-match unbeaten run — the longest ever by a European or South American nation — dating back to a defeat by Colombia in March 2024.
The match at Wembley served as the first meeting between the two sides since Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. It also represented the start of Group A3, which also includes Croatia and the Czech Republic.
England, who finished third at the recent World Cup, put in a competitive performance under Thomas Tuchel but were ultimately unable to halt Spain’s momentum. The Three Lions will look to bounce back in their remaining Nations League fixtures, while Spain continue their quest to add the Nations League title to their growing collection of major honours under de la Fuente.