Spain top FIFA rankings: How La Roja went from quarter-final curse to global kings
Spain didn’t just break their quarter-final curse - they now lead the world. De la Fuente’s side has won five straight games, including a 1-0 victory over Argentina on July 19, 2026, and now tops the latest FIFA rankings after the World Cup. The team once labeled 'we play well, we lose anyway' has become the dominant force of the 21st century.
How did Spain finally shake off the 'quarter-final curse'?
The journey wasn’t easy. After the 2010 World Cup triumph, Spain suffered years of heartbreak in key stages. Euro 2012 opened a golden era - Euro, World Cup, Euro in four years - but the 'golden generation' faded without sustaining their level. Luis Enrique tried to rebuild the team, taking them to two finals (Euro 2021 and Nations League 2022-23), but it was De la Fuente who delivered the final touch.
Under Luis Enrique, Spain came close but fell short. The Asturian laid the groundwork, but it was De la Fuente who took charge after the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Within months, he lifted his first major trophy as head coach: the 2022-23 Nations League, won on penalties against Croatia. Since then, the team hasn’t looked back.
What sets this Spain team apart?
The trophy haul tells the story. Since 2008, Spain has redefined itself: Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012, Nations League 2022-23, and now the FIFA No. 1 ranking in 2026. Consistency is the key. After a shaky start in the 2024-25 Nations League, the team rattled off five straight wins, capped by the 1-0 win over Argentina.
Solid defense and clutch moments - especially in shootouts - define this side. Players like Rodri and Morata lead a compact unit where pressing and possession remain tools, but with far greater efficiency in finishing.
What’s next for La Roja?
The next test comes on September 26, 2026, in an away clash against England. Spain arrives on a five-game winning streak and with one goal: to stay top of the FIFA rankings. De la Fuente’s team isn’t just looking to cement their tactical identity - they aim to prove their dominance isn’t a fluke.
Fans no longer dwell on past sorrows. The new narrative is clear: La Roja is the team to beat. And the world is backing that up with numbers. After beating Argentina on July 19, 2026, the team has won five in a row and heads into the England match as clear favorites.
