Here we will go over the Spain National Football Team vs Netherlands National Football Team timeline.Covering the rivalry of La Roja (Spain) and the Oranje (Netherlands), we analyse and discuss their defining matches, from old to modern moments.
We go over friendlies, qualifiers and major tournament clashes, and you’ll see how in recent years the balance has slightly leaned toward the Netherlands, even though historically the rivalry remains fairly competitive.
Table of Contents
Main FIFA World Cup Matches: Spain vs Netherlands Football Rivalry
Two cups, one where Spain takes the victory, and the other, where Netherlands win.
2010 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain Claims Victory
The final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup was between Netherlands and Spain. It was 11 July 2010 at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Spain won 1 – 0 after extra time (AET). The decisive goal was scored by Andrés Iniesta in the 116th minute. That was from a pass by Cesc Fàbregas.
The match was hard-fought and physically intense. Multiple bookings were there, and in fact, the Dutch defender John Heitinga was sent off in extra time after a second yellow card.
For Spain, that match marked their first ever World Cup title too. This was a historic moment for the team.
2014 FIFA World Cup Group Stage: Netherlands’ Win
The next World Cup meeting between the two sides came at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, in the group stage.
On 13 June 2014, Netherlands beat Spain 5 – 1. They handed the defending champions a crushing defeat.
The match saw quick momentum swings: Spain initially took the lead via a penalty by Xabi Alonso. But the Dutch replied strongly.
Robin van Persie opened his tally with a diving header. That was followed by goals from Arjen Robben (twice), a header from Stefan de Vrij, and a second from van Persie.
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Recent UEFA Nations League Battles
Spain and the Netherlands are still rivals. The 2024 – 25 UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals saw their first match – a 2-2 draw. While in the second one on 23 March 2025 both got 3-3 after extra time. And that’s how the final score is 5 – 5 for both in total. Spain then won the penalty and went to the semifinals.
Historical and Overall Head-to-Head Snapshot
Historically, Spain and Netherlands rivalry are competitive. The table will tell you that.
| Date | Home Team | Away Team | Result | Stadium | Notes / Competition |
| 2025-03-23 | Spain | Netherlands | 3:3 (5:4) c | Estadio de Mestalla | Spain advanced 5 -4 on penalties – UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final (2nd Leg) |
| 2025-03-20 | Netherlands | Spain | 2:2 c | Stadion Feijenoord – De Kuip | UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final (1st Leg) |
| 2020-11-11 | Netherlands | Spain | 1:1 c | Johan Cruyff ArenA | International Friendly |
| 2015-03-31 | Netherlands | Spain | 2:0 c | Johan Cruyff ArenA | International Friendly |
| 2014-06-13 | Spain | Netherlands | 1:5 c | Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova | FIFA World Cup 2014 – Group Stage |
| 2010-07-11 | Netherlands | Spain | 0:1 AET c | FNB Stadium – Soccer City | FIFA World Cup 2010 Final – Spain won after extra time |
| 2002-03-27 | Netherlands | Spain | 1:0 c | Stadion Feijenoord – De Kuip | International Friendly |
| 2000-11-15 | Spain | Netherlands | 1:2 c | Estadio de La Cartuja | International Friendly |
| 1987-01-21 | Spain | Netherlands | 1:1 c | L’Estadi Camp Nou | International Friendly |
| 1983-11-16 | Netherlands | Spain | 2:1 c | Stadion Feijenoord – De Kuip | UEFA European Championship Qualifier |
| 1983-02-16 | Spain | Netherlands | 1:0 c | Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán | UEFA European Championship Qualifier |
| 1920-09-05 | Netherlands | Spain | 1:3 c | Olympisch Stadion Antwerp | 1920 Olympic Games (match between the two) |
Important Performers in Spain-Netherlands Rivalry
Some of the biggest moments between Spain and the Netherlands, especially in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final and the 2025 UEFA Nations League clashes, we have these star performers.
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Spain and Netherlands Looking Ahead
Both Spain and the Netherlands are showing strong recent form across all competitions. In the last five matches, both teams have 4 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses.
Both sides have fixtures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- Spain is scheduled to play Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde.
- The Netherlands is scheduled to face Tunisia, Japan, and another opponent.
FAQs
1. Who assisted Andrés Iniesta’s winning goal in 2010?
A. Cesc Fàbregas assisted Iniesta’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup Final.
2. Which player was sent off in the 2010 Final?
A. John Heitinga of the Netherlands was sent off in the 109th minute after receiving a second yellow card.
3. What is the biggest winning margin in the rivalry?
A. The Netherlands’ 5-1 win over Spain at the 2014 World Cup is the biggest margin of victory.
4. Who scored the winning penalty in the 2025 shootout?
A. Pedri scored the decisive penalty for Spain in the 2025 Nations League Quarterfinals.
5. How many recent matches did Spain play at home?
A. Out of the last five matches since 2010, Spain played only one match at home.