Spain join elite group: fourth team in World Cup history to reach final with just one goal conceded

Spain have entered an exclusive club, becoming only the fourth team in World Cup history to advance to the final while allowing just a single goal throughout the tournament. Luis de la Fuente's squad have matched a rare defensive feat previously achieved by the Netherlands in 1974, Brazil in 2002, and Italy in 2006. The Netherlands conceded only one goal at the 1974 World Cup — a penalty in the group stage — but lost the final to host nation West Germany, 2–1. Brazil went one better in 2002, allowing just one goal against Turkey before beating Germany in the final to claim the title. Italy's 2006 campaign featured a single own goal against them, followed by a penalty-shootout victory over France in the final. Now Spain, with only one goal against them ahead of the 2026 final, will attempt to follow the path of Brazil and Italy — both of whom converted that defensive solidity into world champion status.