The dark streak is over! Spain ends 16-year World Cup playoff drought
Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
Spanish fans have every reason to be proud of their national team.
Details: Today’s victory over Austria in the Round of 16 at the World Cup was a historic one for Spain. La Roja managed to win a World Cup playoff match for the first time in 16 years.
The previous knockout stage win for Spain dated back to 2010, when the team lifted the trophy in South Africa. Following that triumph came a frustrating run of setbacks:
- 2014 World Cup — eliminated in the group stage;
- 2018 World Cup — defeat in the Round of 16;
- 2022 World Cup — once again knocked out in the Round of 16.
Only at the 2026 World Cup did Spain finally break the unfortunate streak, overcoming Austria and clearing the first playoff hurdle for the first time since their victorious 2010 campaign.
In the quarterfinals, La Roja will face the winner of the Portugal vs Croatia clash.
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