Has Spain Reestablished Itself as the Best National Team in the World?
This is a question the footballing world have found itself asking following outcomes in global football stage over the years.
In this article therefore, the writer will clear the air on what stands as the truth.
So, enjoy.
Spain’s resurgence on the international stage is no longer just a talking point—it is a claim increasingly backed by dominant performances and compelling data.
La Roja or the Reds as they are called in English, have quietly, yet emphatically, rebuilt themselves into what many, or few, as the case may be, now consider the most complete national team in world football.
And this claim isn’t born out of sentiment. It is well grounded in data- data derived from Spain’s stats over the years.
To begin from defensive perspective. Spain have set a new benchmark. Their triumph at Euro 2024 saw them concede just four goals throughout the tournament, a testament to their organization and discipline. That solidity has carried into this summer’s World Cup, where they have marched into the final conceding only a single goal- the list number of goal conceded by a team currently in the tournament.
Even more telling is their underlying metric—allowing just 0.33 expected goals (xG) per game—highlighting not just resilience, but a team gaining control over opposition attacks. Add to that an astonishing 35-game unbeaten run, including three consecutive victories over current world number one France, and the evidence becomes difficult to ignore.
Spain in defense have been formidable in recent times, limiting opponents to as low as 0.33 xG per game on average.
However, Spain’s dominance is not built on defense alone. With the ball, they remain arguably unmatched. Averaging over 60% possession across the last two years, they continue to dictate the tempo against virtually every opponent.
Their passing accuracy, currently at 91% in the World Cup, reflects a level of technical precision few teams can rival.
Spain’s average possession in the past 2 years.
That control translates directly into attacking output. Spain are among the most creative sides in international football, generating between three to four big chances per match. They rank second for total attempts at goal, with 110 shots, and boast an average xG of 2.1 per game by a national team.
Even more impressively, despite playing fewer minutes than some rivals, they sit second in total xG at the 2026 World Cup with approximately 12.75.
When it comes to finishing, Spain have also found consistency—scoring around two goals per match from an average of 15 to 17 shots, with five to six hitting the target.
Spain’s attacking output calculated in xG per game.
It is this balance of control, creativity, defensive proactiveness, and efficiency that sets them apart.
So, are Spain currently the best national team in the world?
This no longer a debate as the numbers strongly suggest they are—but football has always thrived on debate.
Hence, you are encouraged to join the conversation: Do you believe Spain are the best team in world football at the moment, or is there another side more deserving of that title?
Let us know your opinion in the comment section, stating your reasons for opting for that team(s). Do well to support your claim with facts.
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