Spain have been tipped as amongst the leading contenders to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as La Roja aim to follow up their run to the Euro 2020 semifinals.
Luis Enrique has reinvigorated his squad in the last 18 months, and they look poised to return to the established powerhouses of international football in Qatar.
The addition of Barcelona duo Pedri and Gavi has added a freshness to the side, alongside the experience of Cesar Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Koke.
Spain’s dominance from 2008 to 2012 has raised the bar for the expectations in major tournaments, but Enrique’s men look ready to take up the challenge.
MORE: World Cup fixtures for Spain and the rest of Group E
How many times has Spain won the World Cup?
Spain’s glory in South Africa in 2010 marked their first-ever World Cup title, after decades of failing to get past the quarterfinals on the world stage.
Vicente del Bosque built on the Euro 2008 success of Luis Aragones, as his Barcelona-dominated side battled past the Netherlands in the final.
In a game full of tension, Andres Iniesta’s extra-time strike won it 1-0 for Spain, who became the eighth side in history to win the World Cup.
The final was also notable for the physical, and controversial, nature of the game, with referee Howard Webb handing out a total of 14 yellow cards, and a red card for Johnny Heitinga.
You can watch the highlights from the match on FIFA’s YouTube channel, here.
Spain World Cup history
Spain’s World Cup record began to improve following their hosting of the 1982 tournament, but a rolling average between the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals left fans frustrated ahead of 2010.
Their win in 2010 was viewed as the perfect moment of their key players all hitting peak at the ideal time, coupled with the confidence from Barcelona’s clean sweep of domestic and European titles, as Del Bosque finally steered them over the line.
| World Cup Year | Stage Reached | Record (W-D-L) | Goals Scored |
| 1930 | DNE* | – | – |
| 1934 | Quarterfinals | 1-1-1 | 4 |
| 1938 | DNE | – | – |
| 1950 | Fourth Place | 3-1-2 | 10 |
| 1954 | DNQ** | – | – |
| 1958 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1962 | Group Stage | 1-0-2 | 2 |
| 1966 | Group Stage | 1-0-2 | 4 |
| 1970 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1974 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1978 | Group Stage | 1-1-1 | 2 |
| 1982 | Second Group Stage | 1-2-2 | 4 |
| 1986 | Quarterfinals | 3-1-1 | 11 |
| 1990 | Round of 16 | 2-1-1 | 6 |
| 1994 | Quarterfinals | 2-2-1 | 10 |
| 1998 | Group Stage | 1-1-1 | 8 |
| 2002 | Quarterfinals | 3-2-0 | 10 |
| 2006 | Round of 16 | 3-0-1 | 9 |
| 2010 | Won | 6-0-1 | 8 |
| 2014 | Group Stage | 1-0-2 | 4 |
| 2018 | Round of 16 | 1-3-0 | 7 |
*Did not enter
**Did not qualify
Will Spain win the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
Enrique’s return to lead the national team — after a break for personal reasons following the tragic death of his young daughter — has increased confidence of a change in fortune after La Roja’s post-2010 struggles, with the enigmatic former La Blaugrana head coach injecting some much-needed self confidence into his players.
Germany present their biggest challenge to getting out of Group E, but Enrique will be aiming for at least a last-four spot, if they can avoid key rivals in the knockout stages.
Enrique has removed Sergio Ramos, with Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte set to anchor the backline, if fit — in behind Busquets, Pedri and Gavi in midfield — but concerns over Alvaro Morata’s big-game output could prove decisive.
Spain 2022 World Cup schedule
Spain kick off their World Cup campaign against Costa Rica in Doha.
Enrique’s team then face Germany in what could be a shootout for top spot in the Group E, before wrapping up the group stage against Japan.
Spain will notably play in three different venues throughout the group stage.
Group E match schedule
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | Spain vs. Costa Rica | 11:00 a.m. | Al Thumama Stadium |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | Spain vs. Germany | 2:00 p.m. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Thu, Dec. 1 | Spain vs. Japan | 2:00 p.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
Potential knockout round schedule — if Spain finishes 1st in Group E
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Mon, Dec. 5 | Round of 16 | 10:00 a.m. | Al Janoub Stadium |
| Fri, Dec. 9 | Quarterfinals | 10:00 a.m. | Education City Stadium |
| Tue, Dec. 13 | Semifinals | 2:00 p.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 17* | Third Place Match | 10:00 a.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 18 | Final | 10:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
*Only in event of defeat in semifinals
Potential knockout schedule — if Spain finishes 2nd in Group E
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Tue, Dec. 6 | Round of 16 | 10:00 a.m. | Education City Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 10 | Quarterfinals | 10:00 a.m. | Al Thumama Stadium |
| Wed, Dec. 14 | Semifinals | 2:00 p.m. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 17* | Third Place Match | 10:00 a.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 18 | Final | 10:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
*Only in event of defeat in semifinals
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