France and Spain are two of the most successful national teams in international soccer, but despite decades of elite competition, they have met only once in FIFA World Cup history. That lone encounter came during the 2006 tournament and remains one of the most memorable knockout matches of the modern era.
As the two European powerhouses prepare to face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal, fans are revisiting their World Cup history and asking: What is France vs. Spain’s head-to-head record in World Cup history?
France vs. Spain head-to-head record in FIFA World Cup history
France and Spain have played just one World Cup match, with France holding a perfect record.
World Cup head-to-head record:
- France wins: 1
- Spain wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Goals scored: France 3, Spain 1
France’s lone World Cup victory over Spain came in the knockout stage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
France 3-1 Spain (2006 FIFA World Cup Round of 16)
The only World Cup meeting between France and Spain took place on June 27, 2006, in the Round of 16 in Germany.
Final score: France 3-1 Spain
Spain struck first when David Villa converted an early penalty, but France responded with one of its best performances of the tournament.
France’s goals came from:
- Franck Ribรฉry
- Patrick Vieira
- Zinedine Zidane
Zidane’s late goal capped a memorable victory and helped send France into the quarterfinals. Les Bleus eventually reached the World Cup final before falling to Italy in a penalty shootout.
Overall France vs. Spain record
Although France owns the advantage in World Cup play, Spain has historically had the upper hand across all competitions, including UEFA European Championship matches, UEFA Nations League games, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and international friendlies.
Overall record (all competitions):
- Spain wins: 18
- France wins: 13
- Draws: 7
The rivalry has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with both nations consistently ranked among the world’s top teams.
Recent meetings between France and Spain
The two sides have produced several memorable clashes in major international tournaments.
Recent notable matches include:
- UEFA Euro 2024 Semifinal: Spain 2-1 France
- UEFA Nations League 2025 Semifinal: Spain 5-4 France
- 2006 FIFA World Cup Round of 16: France 3-1 Spain
Each meeting has featured world-class talent and high stakes, adding another chapter to one of Europe’s premier international rivalries.
France and Spain set for another World Cup showdown
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal will mark just the second World Cup meeting between France and Spain and the first in two decades.
France enters the match looking to preserve its unbeaten World Cup record against Spain, while La Roja hopes to earn its first-ever World Cup victory over Les Bleus and secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
With a spot in the championship match on the line, the latest installment of the France-Spain rivalry promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.