There is an old saying, often attributed to legendary American football coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant, that “offence sells tickets, but defence wins championships”.

If that theory holds true, Spain are giving themselves every chance of lifting the World Cup.

Luis de la Fuente’s side have reached the last 16 without conceding a goal and are the only team yet to be breached at the 2026 World Cup after Mexico shipped three against England.

They are also the first European nation to keep clean sheets in each of their opening four matches at a World Cup since Switzerland in 2006 and, having also drawn 0-0 with Morocco in their final game at Qatar 2022, could become the first team in tournament history to record six consecutive World Cup clean sheets.

Their 3-0 victory over Austria also made them the first team not to face a single shot on target in a World Cup knockout match since Germany against Argentina in the 2014 final.