Spain manager Luis de la Fuente insists his side are not clear favourites for the 2026 World Cup despite a sensational run of form that has seen La Roja set a new national record for consecutive games unbeaten.

The world’s top-ranked national team stretched their streak to 30 matches with a commanding 4–0 win over Georgia on Saturday, surpassing the previous 29-game landmark set by Vicente del Bosque’s golden generation between 2010 and 2013.

De la Fuente’s Spain have been formidable on all fronts. They delivered a flawless European Championship campaign last year, winning all seven matches en route to a record fourth continental crown in Germany. Their dominance has continued into World Cup qualifying, where they lead Group E with a 100% record: five wins, 19 goals scored, and zero conceded.

With a maximum 15 points, Spain have all but secured their place at the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Only a highly improbable scenario—Turkey beating them by seven goals on Tuesday—would deny them automatic qualification.

‘There’s no such thing as a clear favourite’

Speaking to reporters on Monday ahead of the match in Seville, De la Fuente acknowledged the growing expectation around his side, but pushed back on claims that Spain are the undisputed team to beat next summer.

“It’s a case of being among the favourites. Success is having chances to fight to win. There’s a very fine line between winning and losing,” he said.
“There’s no such thing as a clear favourite in a World Cup. Previously, football focused on other teams, but now Spain is among the favourites.”

A long-term football vision

De la Fuente credited Spain’s resurgence to a shared football philosophy across clubs and the federation:

“The secret is excellent work in football in general. In the top clubs and in the federation, there is a specific idea and model of play. Training, investment and belief in an idea.”

No easing off against Turkey

Despite Spain’s commanding position, the manager made clear that he will not rotate his squad simply to rest key players.

“We approach this match with a great sense of responsibility. For prestige. To showcase what we have achieved. We want to remain number one in the world,” he said.
“There will be no gifts. Here, people have to earn their place. Everyone wants to play, and everyone has earned it and deserves it.”

Spain conclude their qualifying campaign on Tuesday with the chance to extend their record-breaking run even further—and strengthen their claim, whether De la Fuente admits it or not, as the team everyone wants to avoid in 2026.