Spain carried their new status as world champions into Wembley and left London with a 3-2 victory over England, overturning a first-half deficit in their first international window since lifting the 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The visitors, wearing the second star earned with that World Cup triumph, struck almost immediately through Lamine Yamal before England recovered through Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane. A missed Kane penalty after the interval changed the direction of the evening, however, as Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal completed Spain’s comeback.
Yamal punishes England’s early mistake
Wembley had barely settled when Marc Guehi surrendered possession to Yamal in the opening passage of play. The Ballon d’Or nominee took full advantage, beating James Trafford to put Spain ahead after two minutes.
England took more than half an hour to establish themselves, but Jude Bellingham made the most of a poor Spanish clearance. The Real Madrid midfielder released Gordon, who finished cleanly past Unai Simon to level the match.
Thomas Tuchel’s side then found reward from their aggressive pressing. Gordon won the ball and delivered into the Spanish area, where Kane met the cross. Marc Cucurella’s slight touch helped send the effort beyond Simon, giving England a 2-1 lead in the 40th minute.
Kane miss opens the door
Spain pushed forward after the break, although England had a chance to extend their advantage when Bellingham was brought down inside the visitors’ penalty area in the 54th minute. Kane stepped up from the spot but failed to convert, leaving the contest open.
Six minutes later, Spain were level. Alex Baena combined with Olmo, and the Atletico Madrid midfielder drove a shot from outside the area that Trafford could not keep out.
With Pedri and Baena increasingly influential in the middle of the pitch, Spain regained the ball high up the field for their decisive move. Baena slipped Oyarzabal through on goal, and the Eibar-born forward calmly chipped Trafford for the winner.
England pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Spain protected Simon’s goal without allowing another serious threat. The result gave the world champions all three points at Wembley and extended the sense that their World Cup success has carried directly into the UEFA Nations League calendar.
