Fabián Ruiz reaches major milestone with Spain team before
By OnzeActu · · 6 min read

Since his debut in 2019, Fabián Ruiz has never lost with the Spanish team in 49 matches. He could score his 50th match in the 2026 World Cup final, a rare and historic feat.
According to Vi.
Context
Fabián Ruiz, who made his debut in 2019, has had an international career marked by ups and downs. After a prolonged absence from the national team, he was able to return and contribute to the strength of the Spanish team, which is crucial as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Why it matters
Fabián Ruiz, with his impressive record of 49 matches without defeat for the Spanish team, is on the verge of reaching a historic milestone by potentially playing his 50th match in the 2026 World Cup final. This remarkable journey underlines not only his resilience, but also the importance of his presence within a Spanish team seeking redemption after the failure at the 2018 World Cup.
Key points
- Fabián Ruiz reaches major milestone with the Spanish national team before.
- Since his debut in 2019, Fabián Ruiz has never lost with the Spanish team in 49 matches.
- Fabián Ruiz remains central to Spanje's plans.
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente seems wise to continue to count on Fabián Ruiz for the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Indeed, the midfielder has not experienced defeat in 49 caps with the Spain team, an exceptional record which could be extended during the decisive match against England or Argentina.
Fabián Ruiz made his debut for the national team in 2019, when Spain was trying to rebuild after a painful failure at the 2018 World Cup, exiting in the round of 16 against Russia. His first match was a victory against a modest team, the Faroe Islands, and since then, Spain has remained invincible in all his appearances where he has started or lined out.
Throughout the qualifications for the Euro, Spain, with Ruiz in the middle, never lost and often demonstrated the solidity of its very talented midfield sector. However, during the 2021 European Championship, his presence was less frequent, remaining on the bench during the semi-final lost to Italy, including during extra time. After a long period without a call (from July 2021 to the end of 2022), and therefore absent during the World Cup in Qatar as well as the qualifying phase and the Nations League, Ruiz returned in March 2023 to continue this impressive series.
He has therefore only witnessed Spain's rare defeats in recent years, such as the setbacks against Sweden, France, Switzerland and Japan, from the bench. Even the Nations League final lost on penalties against Portugal counts as a draw statistically. Thus, Fabián Ruiz has an incredible series of 49 matches without defeat for the selection.
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This performance ranks as the longest unbeaten streak for a player this century. It should also be noted that Jens Stryger Larsen of Denmark came close to this record with 36 consecutive matches without defeat. Other contemporary players like Leandro Dendoncker or Nicolò Barella have also had good series, but none rivals that of Ruiz.
Historically, this longevity without defeat in national teams has only been matched by legends like Garrincha, the legendary Brazilian who also started his international career with 49 consecutive matches without defeat before losing his 50th selection during a World Cup in 1966.
As for the Dutch selection, no active player rivals this statistic, Hedwiges Maduro holding the record with 18 matches undefeated. The closest active Dutch player is Mark Flekken with 12 games without a defeat.
While the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States is shaping up to be a historic tournament, the case of Fabián Ruiz illustrates the strength and consistency of a key player in the Spanish team, capable of writing his name in the annals of international football with a potential participation in his 50th undefeated selection in the world final.
To follow all the news, matches and schedule for the 2026 World Cup, go to our page dedicated to the tournament where you will find all the essential information.
The rest
If Fabián Ruiz is fielded in the final, he could play a key role in midfield against formidable opponents like England or Argentina. His ability to maintain Spain's invincibility could also boost their chances of being a mainstay for the 2026 World Cup, as the team aims to regain its status as a world power.
Frequently asked questions
What has been confirmed about Fabián Ruiz?
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that he will continue to count on Fabián Ruiz for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Why is Fabián Ruiz important to the Spain team?
Fabián Ruiz is important because he has not tasted defeat in 49 caps for the Spanish team, making him a valuable asset for the final.
What are Fabián Ruiz's past performances with the Spanish team?
Fabián Ruiz made his debut in 2019 and since then, Spain has remained invincible in all his appearances where he has started or lined out.
What were Fabián Ruiz's absences from the national team?
Fabián Ruiz was absent from the national team from July 2021 until the end of 2022, including during the World Cup in Qatar.
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What changes have taken place in Fabián Ruiz's career recently?
Fabián Ruiz returned in March 2023 after a long spell without a call-up, continuing his impressive 49-match unbeaten streak.
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