Spain captured its lone FIFA World Cup crown in 2010, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time in the final in Johannesburg. Andrés Iniesta scored the decisive goal in the 116th minute off a pass from Cesc Fàbregas, and Spain became the first European nation to win a World Cup staged outside Europe, according to the provided information.
Across tournament history through 2026, Spain has made 17 World Cup appearances (1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) and hosted the 1982 edition, according to the source. Its all-time World Cup record stands at 31 wins, 17 losses and 19 draws, with 108 goals scored, 75 conceded and a goal differential of +33.
Individual Spain records include three players tied for most World Cup appearances at 17: Iker Casillas (2002–2014), Sergio Ramos (2006–2018) and Sergio Busquets (2010–2022). David Villa is Spain’s leading World Cup scorer with nine goals across the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments. The most goals by a player at a single World Cup for Spain is five, achieved by Villa in 2010 and by Emilio Butragueño in 1986, according to the data.
Recent tournament results show the full range of outcomes for Spain. After winning the title in 2010 — when the team also received the Fair Play award and Iker Casillas was named best goalkeeper — Spain exited in the group stage in 2014, were eliminated on penalties by Russia in the round of 16 in 2018 (while earning the Fair Play award), and lost to Morocco on penalties in the round of 16 in 2022, per the provided record. Earlier knockout exits include a 2006 round-of-16 loss to France and a 2002 quarterfinal defeat to South Korea on penalties.
Looking ahead, the 2026 World Cup will expand to 48 teams, and Spain is listed among participants for that edition. The squad listed for 2026 includes names such as Álex Baena, Gavi, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and manager Luis de la Fuente, and Spain is scheduled to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Morocco and Portugal, according to the source text.
