Spain enters Saturday's Nations League match against England at Wembley on an international record 38-match unbeaten streak, having not lost since a 1-0 friendly defeat by Colombia in 2024. The nation currently holds the titles of world, European, and Olympic champions in men's football, marking them as a dominant force.
This widespread success, which also includes six Under-19 and three Under-21 European Championships, as well as the 2023 Women's World Cup, is attributed to three core pillars. Football expert Guillem Balague highlighted the role of university-level physical education, particularly the National Institute of Physical Education, in developing coaches with a deep understanding of learning and training processes.
The second pillar is the Basque culture, known for its strong work ethic and daily effort. Five players from the 2026 World Cup squad were from the Basque region, embodying this character. Finally, the influence of Barcelona, stemming from Johan Cruyff's tactical revolution and its continuation through academies like La Masia, is seen as crucial. This system focuses on developing intelligent players skilled in ball possession and positional play.