Who is Spain's goalie? Why Unai Simon starts over Arsenal's David Raya, Barcelona's Joan Garcia

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Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad features two champion goalkeepers from legendary clubs.

David Raya just won the English Premier League with Arsenal, and Joan Garcia is the La Liga champ with Barcelona.

Neither of them starts for the Spanish national team, though.

Who is Spain's goalie?

Unai Simon continues to start at this World Cup for Spain.

He's the starting keeper in La Liga for Athletic Bilbao.

Simon and his defense have allowed just one goal the entire tournament entering the semifinal match against France on Tuesday, July 14.

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Why is Unai Simon starting over David Raya and Joan Garcia?

Simon has been the regular starter under coach Luis de la Fuente, and that hasn't changed during this World Cup.

Raya has actually had very thoughtful words about this situation, too.

“Spain is in very good hands no matter who gets to play,” Raya said before the tournament, via the Associated Press. “I think Unai Simón, since his debut, has raised the level of the goalkeeping position. We won the Nations League and the European Championship with him. And I think he’s a great goalkeeper who has given us these titles as the starter.”

So far in this World Cup, Simon has made the choice look like a good one.

It's a good problem to have for Spain, and while it could've created controversies if Simon struggled, he has so far validated the choice to leave him in net.