Full Breakdown
Spain Stun England 3-2 at Wembley to Extend Unbeaten Run
By Drooid · · How we work
Match Overview
On September 26, 2026 at Wembley Stadium, world-champions Spain defeated England 3-2 in the opening fixture of UEFA Nations League Group A3. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute after the teams exchanged early leads. England led through Anthony Gordon (36´) and a Harry Kane header (40´), but a missed penalty by Kane (54´) and two defensive lapses – Marc Guehi’s error (2´) and Nico O’Reilly’s misplaced pass (60´) – allowed Spain to turn the tide.
Background & Context
Less than ten weeks after lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain entered the Nations League on a 39-match unbeaten streak, a record for a European side. The match also marked a rematch of the Euro 2024 final, where Oyarzabal’s winner had denied England. England, still coping with a World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, sought redemption but began the game with a “terrible start,” according to manager Thomas Tuchel.
Timeline of Key Moments
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 2´ | Marc Guehi turns the ball back toward his own goal; Lamine Yamal pounces and scores for Spain. |
| 36´ | Anthony Gordon finishes a quick counter-attack set up by Jude Bellingham. |
| 40´ | Harry Kane heads in a Nico O’Reilly cross, deflecting off Marc Cucurella. |
| 54´ | Kane’s penalty slips and strikes the crossbar after Rodri’s foul on Bellingham. |
| 60´ | Alex Baena equalises, receiving the ball after O’Reilly’s errant pass. |
| 74´ | Mikel Oyarzabal dinks the ball over goalkeeper James Trafford to restore Spain’s lead. |
Data & Statistics
- Possession: England 47 % – Spain 53 %
- Expected Goals (xG): England 1.53 – Spain 2.99
- Shots: England 13 (5 on target) – Spain 15 (5 on target)
- Fouls: England 11 – Spain 16
- Corners: England 6 – Spain 3
Spain’s higher xG reflects their control despite conceding two early goals.
Official Statements & Responses
He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the match.
He added that the team’s reaction was “very good” despite the loss.
Captain Harry Kane told ITV that England “played toe-to-toe” with the world champions and that on another day they could have won.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're playing against the world champions, the European champions, and we went toe-to-toe,” — Harry Kane
- “They were as good as us, we were as good as them,” — Anthony Gordon
Significance
The win gives Spain three points and cements their position at the top of Group A3, extending their unbeaten run to 39 matches – the longest streak by a European nation in any competition. England remain second and must recover quickly.
What’s Next
Spain host Croatia in their next Group A3 fixture on Tuesday. England travel to the Czech Republic for their second match later the same week. Both teams will look to build on (or rectify) their performances as the Nations League campaign progresses.