David Raya on Spain's Goalkeeper Battle: It Doesn't Matter Who Plays

David Raya downplayed the debate surrounding Spain's starting goalkeeper for the World Cup, praising teammate Unai Simón and stating that "La Roja" is in good hands with him. Spain begins its quest for a second world title on Monday against Cape Verde in Group H in Atlanta.

Simón has been a firm starter under coach Luis de la Fuente, but discussions about a potential change between the posts intensified after stellar seasons from the team's other goalkeepers – Raya, who helped Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final, and Joan García, who led Barcelona to the Spanish title and was simultaneously named La Liga's best goalkeeper.

"Spain is in very good hands, regardless of who plays. I think Unai Simón, since his debut, has elevated the level of the goalkeeping position. We won the Nations League and the European Championship. He is a great goalkeeper who brought us those titles as a starter," Raya commented, as quoted by BTA.

De la Fuente has not named his starting goalkeeper in advance, further fueling the debate in Spain. He utilized all three in pre-World Cup friendlies, with Simón starting the final match.

"It's normal to have a debate. There has always been a lot of competition among the goalkeepers we've had. It's about friendship, striving to be better, making the coach's choice difficult. We are all here to help the team. Whoever plays will give their best," Raya added.

On Saturday, Spain held its final training session at its Tennessee camp before traveling to Atlanta for its opening match. Spain will have a full squad available after Victor Muñoz, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams returned to training this week following injury recoveries.

Spain's second match will be against Saudi Arabia on June 21, also in Atlanta. The final group stage game is against Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Spain lost in the round of 16 to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup but then went on to win the 2024 European Championship in Germany. "La Roja" also triumphed in the Nations League in 2023 and was runner-up to Portugal in 2025.