David Raya was Europe's best keeper — so why isn't he Spain's No.1?

Spain arrive at the 2026 World Cup with a squad many view as one of the tournament's strongest, yet goalkeeping selection has become a focal point. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has repeatedly chosen Unai Simon over David Raya and Joan Garcia, despite both club campaigns drawing praise.

Simon started Spain's opening draw with Cape Verde. Raya enjoyed an outstanding season for Arsenal, winning a third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove with 19 clean sheets and conceding 26 goals in 37 games as his club ended a long title wait. He also kept nine clean sheets in 14 Champions League matches and claimed the European Golden Glove ahead of Joan Garcia's 15 shutouts, placing him among the Premier League's all-time top 10 single-season records.

Raya briefly held the No.1 spot when Simon missed part of the 2024-25 season through injury, starting five Nations League group games and keeping three clean sheets, but he returned to the bench once Simon was fit.

Spain

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