History of Spain national football team in Timeline
The Spain national football team has represented Spain in men's international football since 1920. It is governed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Spain has experienced periods of both triumph and struggle. A golden era from 2008 to 2012 saw them win two European Championships (2008, 2012) and their first World Cup (2010), playing a distinctive tiki-taka style. Before this, their major success was winning the 1964 European Championship. While facing challenges in recent tournaments, they remain a prominent force in international football, known for their technical skill and passionate fanbase.
1904: Spain Becomes a FIFA Member
1909: Spanish Football Federation Established
In 1909, the Spanish Football Federation was established.
1920: Debut at Summer Olympics
In 1920, Spain debuted at the Summer Olympics, playing their first ever international match and winning their first silver medal.
1920: The Spanish Fury
In 1920, the silver medal-winning Antwerp Olympic team earned the nickname La furia española ('The Spanish Fury').
1964: Spain Wins 1964 European Nations' Cup
In 1964, Spain won its first major international title by hosting and winning the European Nations' Cup, defeating the Soviet Union 2–1.
1964: Won first international trophy
In 1964, Spain won their first international trophy on home soil, defeating the Soviet Union 2–1.
1964: Spain's previous major title
Spain's win in 2008 was their first major title since the 1964 European Championship.
1981: Adidas Produces Spain's Kits
1983: Adidas Produces Spain's Kits
1984: Le Coq Sportif Produces Spain's Kits
From 1984 until 1990, Le Coq Sportif produced Spain's kits.
1990: Le Coq Sportif Produces Spain's Kits
From 1984 until 1990, Le Coq Sportif produced Spain's kits.
1991: Adidas Produces Spain's Kits
1994: Controversy in 1994 World Cup Quarter-Final
In the 1994 World Cup quarter-finals, a controversial incident occurred when Mauro Tassotti elbowed Luis Enrique, but no foul was called.
1996: Raúl González Begins Scoring Career for Spain
From 1996 to 2006, Raúl González scored 44 goals for Spain.
2002: Controversial Loss in 2002 World Cup Quarter-Final
In the 2002 World Cup, Spain lost to South Korea in a shootout after having two goals controversially disallowed.
2005: David Villa Begins Scoring Career for Spain
From 2005 to 2017, David Villa scored 59 goals for Spain.
November 2006: Spain's Unbeaten Streak Begins
In November 2006, Spain began a 35-match unbeaten streak that ended after a loss to the United States in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
2006: Raúl González Ends Scoring Career for Spain
From 1996 to 2006, Raúl González scored 44 goals for Spain.
2007: Arsenal's Passing Style in 2007-08 Season
Commentators have contrasted tiki-taka with the higher-tempo passing of Arsène Wenger's 2007–08 Arsenal side, which employed Cesc Fàbregas as the only channel between defence and attack.
2008: Spain implements Tiki-Taka
Between 2008 and 2012, Spain's football team adopted 'tiki-taka', a style based on team unity and understanding the geometry of space on the field.
2008: Spain Holds Possession Record
From 2008 to 2024, Spain has held possession of the ball more than their opponents in all matches, setting a record of 136 games.
2008: Spain's Dominance Begins
Starting in 2008, Spain won one World Cup and three European Championship titles, making them the most successful European national team of the 21st century.
2009: Won a third place medal
In 2009, Spain won a third place medal at the FIFA Confederations Cup, losing 2–0 to the United States in the semi-finals.
2010: World Cup Badge Added to Spain's Jersey
After winning the 2010 World Cup, the World Cup winners badge was added to the right side of Spain's jersey and a golden star at the top of Spain's coat of arms.
2010: Spain Wins 2010 FIFA World Cup
In 2010, Spain became world champions for the first time after defeating the Netherlands 1–0 in the final.
2010: Spain wins 2010 World Cup using Tiki-Taka
In 2010, Spain successfully employed Tiki-Taka to win the World Cup. The 2008-12 teams are regarded as among the greatest of international teams.
2010: Traditions Meet at 2010 World Cup
Spain's success in the 2010 World Cup resulted from the meeting of two traditions: 'The Spanish Fury' and the tiki-taka style.
2012: Spain's use of Tiki-Taka ends
Between 2008 and 2012, Spain's football team played 'tiki-taka', a systems approach to football founded upon the ideal of team unity.
2012: Spain Wins Back-to-Back European Championship
In 2012, Spain became the first national team to win two consecutive European Championships.
2014: Spain Eliminated from 2014 World Cup Group Stage
In 2014, Spain was eliminated from the group stage of the World Cup.
2017: David Villa Ends Scoring Career for Spain
From 2005 to 2017, David Villa scored 59 goals for Spain.
2018: 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign
In 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, matches were played at various provincial stadia.
2020: Hosted games at Euro 2020
In 2020, Spain used one city to host games at the Eurocup.
November 2024: Most Caps for Spain List
As of 15 November 2024, this is a list of the ten players with the most caps for Spain.
November 2024: Caps and goals updated after match against Switzerland
Caps and goals updated as of 18 November 2024, after the match against Switzerland.
2024: Qualified to the Intercontinental cup
After winning their record fourth European title, in 2024 Spain qualified to their first ever Intercontinental cup.
2024: Spain Holds Possession Record
From 2008 to 2024, Spain has held possession of the ball more than their opponents in all matches, setting a record of 136 games.
2024: Won the European final
In 2024, La Roja won the European final against England 2-1, earning the title of most successful national team in the competition and the first team to win all seven matches in a single tournament.
March 2025: Spain Announces Squad for UEFA Nations League Matches
In March 2025, Spain announced the squad for the UEFA Nations League matches against the Netherlands.
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