Spain won its first and only FIFA World Cup title in 2010. Led by manager Vicente del Bosque, the Spaniards defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time in the final in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Andrés Iniesta scored the game-winning goal off a pass from Cesc Fàbregas in the 116th minute, finally delivering one of the world's most prominent soccer nations the most prestigious prize in the sport. Spain became the first European nation to win a World Cup hosted outside of Europe.
Before it co-hosts the 2030 World Cup along with Morocco and Portugal, Spain looks to add to its trophy case during the tournament's 2026 edition, which will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the previous 32-team format.
Here is a look at Spain's history at the FIFA World Cup:
Appearances
17 (1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Years as host
1982
Best finish
Champions in 2010 (only team to lose its first match and go on to win a World Cup)
All-time record (W-L-D)
31-17-19
All-time goals scored
108
All-time goals allowed
75
All-time goal differential
+33
Most career appearances by a single player
17. Iker Casillas, across four World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014), Sergio Ramos, across four World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018); Sergio Busquets, across four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022)
Most career goals by a single player
David Villa, nine across three World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014)
Most goals by a player at a single World Cup
Five: David Villa, 2010; Emilio Butragueño, 1986
All-time finishes
2022: Lost to Morocco 3-0 in penalties in Round of 16
2018: Lost to Russia 4-3 in penalties in Round of 16 (won Fair Play award)
2014: Group stage (third in Group B)
2010: Won title (won Fair Play award; Iker Casillas named best goalkeeper)
2006: Lost to France 3-1 in Round of 16 (won Fair Play award along with Brazil)
2002: Lost to South Korea 5-3 in penalties in quarterfinals
1998: Group stage (third in Group D)
1994: Lost to Italy 2-0 in quarterfinals
1990: Lost to Yugoslavia 2-1 after extra time in Round of 16
1986: Lost to Belgium 5-4 in penalties in quarterfinals
1982: Second group stage (third in Group B)
1978: Group stage (third in Group 3)
1974: Did not qualify
1970: Did not qualify
1966: Group stage (third in Group 2)
1962: Group stage (fourth in Group 3)
1958: Did not qualify
1954: Did not qualify
1950: Fourth place
1938: Rejected by FIFA due to Spanish Civil War
1934: Lost to eventual champion Italy 1-0 in quarterfinals in replay following 1-1 draw after extra time (first replayed match in World Cup history)
1930: Did not enter
All-time rosters
2026: Álex Baena, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Eric García, Joan García, Gavi, Alejandro Grimaldo, Borja Iglesias, Aymeric Laporte, Marcos Llorente, Mikel Merino, Víctor Muñoz, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedri, Yéremy Pino, Pedro Porro, Marc Pubill, David Raya, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Unai Simón, Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Martín Zubimendi, Luis de la Fuente (manager)
2022: Jordi Alba, Marco Asensio, César Azpilicueta, Alejandro Balde, Sergio Busquets, Dani Carvajal, Ansu Fati, Eric García, Gavi, Hugo Guillamón, Koke, Aymeric Laporte, Marcos Llorente, Álvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Yéremy Pino, David Raya, Rodri, Robert Sánchez, Pablo Sarabia, Unai Simón, Carlos Soler, Ferran Torres, Pau Torres, Nico Williams, Luis Enrique (manager)
2018: Jordi Alba, Thiago Alcantara, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marco Asensio, Iago Aspas, César Azpilicueta, Sergio Busquets, Dani Carvajal, Diego Costa, David de Gea, Andrés Iniesta, Isco, Koke, Nacho Monreal, Nacho, Saúl Ñíguez, Álvaro Odriozola, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Pepe Reina, Rodrigo, David Silva, Lucas Vázquez, Fernando Hierro (manager)
2014: Jordi Alba, Raúl Albiol, Xabi Alonso, César Azpilicueta, Sergio Busquets, Iker Casillas, Santi Cazorla, Diego Costa, David de Gea, Cesc Fàbregas, Andrés Iniesta, Juanfran, Koke, Javi Martínez, Juan Mata, Pedro, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Pepe Reina, David Silva, Fernando Torres, David Villa, Xavi, Vicente del Bosque (manager)
2010: Raúl Albiol, Xabi Alonso, Álvaro Arbeloa, Sergio Busquets, Joan Capdevila, Iker Casillas, Santi Cazorla, David de Gea, Cesc Fàbregas, Pablo Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Andoni Iraola, Fernando Llorente, Diego López, Carlos Marchena, Javi Martínez, Juan Mata, Nacho Monreal, Jesús Navas, Álvaro Negredo, Pedro, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Pepe Reina, David Silva, Roberto Soldado, Fernando Torres, Víctor Valdés, David Villa, Xavi, Vicente del Bosque (manager)
2006: David Albelda, Xabi Alonso, Santiago Cañizares, Iker Casillas, Cesc Fàbregas, Luis García, Pablo Ibáñez, Andrés Iniesta, Joaquín, Juanito, Antonio López, Carlos Marchena, Mariano Pernía, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Raúl, Pepe Reina, José Antonio Reyes, Míchel Salgado, Marcos Senna, Fernando Torres, David Villa, Xavi, Luis Aragonés (manager)
2002: David Albelda, Rubén Baraja, Iker Casillas, Pedro Contreras, Javier de Pedro, Luis Enrique, Iván Helguera, Fernando Hierro, Joaquín, Juanfran, Albert Luque, Gaizka Mendieta, Fernando Morientes, Miguel Ángel Nadal, Carles Puyol, Raúl, Ricardo, Enrique Romero, Sergio, Curro Torres, Diego Tristán, Juan Carlos Valerón, Xavi, José Antonio Camacho (manager)
1998: Carlos Aguilera, Rafael Alkorta, Guillermo Amor, Agustín Aranzábal, Sergi Barjuán, Iván Campo, Santiago Cañizares, Albert Celades, Luis Enrique, Joseba Etxeberria, Abelardo Fernández, Albert Ferrer, Julen Guerrero, Fernando Hierro, Kiko, José Molina, Fernando Morientes, Miguel Ángel Nadal, Alfonso Pérez, Juan Antonio Pizzi, Raúl, Andoni Zubizarreta, Javier Clemente (manager)
1994: Rafael Alkorta, José Mari Bakero, Sergi Barjuán, Txiki Begiristain, Francisco José Camarasa, José Luis Caminero, Santiago Cañizares, Luis Enrique, Abelardo Fernández, Albert Ferrer, Ion Andoni Goikoetxea, Pep Guardiola, Julen Guerrero, Fernando Hierro, Juanele, Julen Lopetegui, Felipe Miñambres, Miguel Ángel Nadal, Jorge Otero, Julio Salinas, Voro, Andoni Zubizarreta, Javier Clemente (manager)
1990: Juan Carlos Ablanedo, Rafael Alkorta, Genar Andrinúa, José Mari Bakero, Emilio Butragueño, Chendo, Quique Sánchez Flores, Fernando Gómez, Alberto Górriz, Fernando Hierro, Manolo Jiménez, Manolo, Michel, José Manuel Ochotorena, Miguel Pardeza, Rafa Paz, Roberto, Julio Salinas, Manolo Sanchís, Rafael Martín Vázquez, Francisco Villarroya, Andoni Zubizarreta, Luis Suárez (manager)
1986: Juan Carlos Ablanedo, Julio Alberto, Emilio Butragueño, Ramon Maria Caldere, Jose Antonio Camacho, Francisco Carrasco, Chendo, Eloy, Francisco, Ricardo Gallego, Goikoetxea, Rafael Gordillo, Antonio Maceda, Michel, Hipolito Rincon, Julio Salinas, Juan Antonio Senor, Quique Setien, Tomas, Francisco Urruticoechea, Victor, Andoni Zubizarreta, Miguel Muñoz (manager)
1982: Jose Alexanko, Miguel Alonso, Miguel Ángel, Luis Arconada, José Antonio Camacho, Ricardo Gallego, Rafael Gordillo, Manuel Jimenez, Joaquin, Juanito, Antonio Maceda, Quini, José Sánchez, Santillana, Jesus Satrustegui, Enrique Saura, Miguel Tendillo, Lopez Ufarte, Pedro Uralde, Santiago Urquiaga, Francisco Urruticoechea, Jesus Zamora, José Santamaria (manager)
1978: Miguel Ángel, Luis Arconada, Juan Manuel Asensi, Antonio Biosca, Ruben Cano, Julio Cardenosa, Dani, Antonio De La Cruz, Antonio Guzman, Juanito, Eugenio Leal, Marano, Marcelino, Migueli, Antonio Olmo, Pirri, Quini, Carles Rexach, Isidoro San José, Santillana, Francisco Uria, Francisco Urruticoechea, Ladislao Kubala (manager)
1966: Adelardo, Amancio, Antonio Betancourt, Luis del Sol, Eladio, Josep Maria Fusté, Gallego, Francisco Gento, Jesus Glaria, José Iribar, Carlos Lapetra, Marcelino, Fernando Olivella, Joaquin Peiro, Pirri, Severino Reijia, Miguel Reina, Feliciano Rivilla, Manuel Sanchis, Luis Suárez, Jose Ufarte, Zoco, José Villalonga (manager)
1962: Adelardo, Araquistain, Carmelo, Enrique Collar, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Luis del Sol, Echeberria, Garay, Francisco Gento, Eulogio Martinez, Gracia, Pachin, Joaquin Peiro, Ferenc Puskas, Severino Reijia, Feliciano Rivilla, Rodri, Salvador Sadurni, José Santamaría, Joan Segarra, Luis Suárez, Martin Verges, Helenio Herrera (manager)
1950: Juan Acuña, Gabriel Alonso, Antunez, Vicente Asensi, Estanislao Basora, Cesar, Ignacio Eizaguirre, Piru Gainza, Gonzalvo II, Gonzalvo III, Rosendo Hernandez, Silvestre Igoa, José Juncosa, Lesmes II, Luis Molowny, Nando, José Panizo, José Parra, Antonio Puchades, Antoni Ramallets, Alfonso Silva, Zarra, Guillermo Eizaguirre (manager)
1934: Crisant Bosch, Campanal I, Chacho, Leonardo Cilaurren, Ciriaco, Fede, Guillermo Gorostiza, Hilario, José Iraragorri, Lafuente, Isidro Lángara, Simón Lecue, Martín Marculeta, Luis Marín Sabater, José Muguerza, Juan José Nogués, Jacinto Quincoces, Luis Regueiro, Pedro Solé, Martí Ventolrà, Ramón Zabalo, Ricardo Zamora, Amadeo García (manager)
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