Unai Simón keeps three clean sheets, cements starting role for Spain at 2026 World Cup

Cited as one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, Spain completed their group stage with two wins and a draw, finishing first in Group H — all without conceding a single goal, thanks to a magnificent Unai Simón. Despite fierce competition at the goalkeeper position, the shot-stopper managed to keep his starting spot.

By Tom Courel 02/07 – 13:33 | 2 min. read

The Spanish national team led by Luis de la Fuente continues its strong performances in this 2026 World Cup. Thanks to a group stage controlled from start to finish — concluded with two wins (against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay) and a draw against Cape Verde — the nation finished first in Group H with seven points.

Equally impressive during this tournament on American soil is that no goals were conceded in the three matches involving the 2024 European champions. Indeed, La Roja's goalkeeper, Unai Simón, kept a clean sheet throughout the group stage. The nation thus enters the round of 32 with a top-tier guardian.

A Position Under Threat

In this context, the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper, who is at the heart of this success, has logically established himself as the number one choice in the Spanish goal. Before the international competition, his status was nevertheless threatened by immense competition.

During Euro 2024, he was one of the key men in Spain's triumph, stepping up at every moment, but his teammates were eagerly awaiting their moment of glory. This time again, it was not to be. Neither of the other two goalkeepers — David Raya and Joan Garcia — managed to get playing time against the three teams they faced.

Unai Simón Crushes the Competition Again

Yet, there was uncertainty at this position:

• David Raya arrived at the World Cup after an exceptional season with Arsenal, having established himself among the best goalkeepers in Europe after winning the English Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final with the Gunners.
• Joan Garcia, FC Barcelona's goalkeeper and highly regarded on the other side of the Pyrenees, showcased his greatness in La Liga, leading the Catalan club to the top of the Spanish championship with a well-deserved title.

Despite this, both players spent their time watching Simón's saves — a rare level of competition that speaks volumes about the quality of the 29-year-old Basque.

Looking Ahead

Before facing Austria (this Thursday evening at 9:00 PM) in the next knockout match, Luis de la Fuente knows that choosing continuity can provide reassurance by relying on Unai Simón. His gamble is working and is fully embraced.

Capable of providing serene leadership in the air and dictating the tempo with his distribution, the goalkeeper crushes the competition with his qualities, which have become indispensable in the Spanish system rooted in pure possession-based play. While some observers believe the debate remains open in Spain, others consider the starter's consistency to be phenomenal. For now, his coach has decided: Unai Simón is the number one, and no one can contest it.

Published on: 02/07/2026 13:33 Updated on: 02/07/2026 13:34

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