Out of 48 teams competing in the largest World Cup ever staged, only two managed to get through the group stage without letting a single ball hit the back of their net. Mexico and Spain now enter the knockout rounds with a defensive distinction no other nation can claim.
Mexico topped Group A with a perfect 9 points and a goal difference of +6. Spain led Group H with 7 points and a +5 goal difference. Both teams conceded exactly zero goals across three matches.
How they got here
Mexico’s path was the more dominant of the two. Three wins from three games, no goals conceded, and a six-goal surplus tells you everything about how El Tri approached this tournament on home soil. Playing in front of their own fans as one of three co-hosts alongside the US and Canada clearly helped.
Spain’s route was slightly different but equally effective. La Roja secured 7 points, meaning they drew one match and won two, including a tight 1-0 victory over Uruguay to close out Group H.
