Raya Competes For Spain’s No 1 Goalkeeper Spot Ahead Of World Cup

David Raya is embracing the contest to be Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, despite strong rivals. The Arsenal player arrives in top form and believes the battle for the national team spot will raise standards, rather than distract from Spain’s plans for the tournament.

The current favourite for Spain’s number one jersey is Unai Simon, who plays for Athletic Club. Simon has been trusted by Luis de la Fuente and played a central role in Spain winning Euro 2024. Simon is expected to start the World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday.

“[We take the debate] with total naturalness, Raya said. There’s always been a lot of competition, with the goalkeepers we have. We try to push each other to be better, and make the manager’s job a bit more difficult to choose. We’re here to help each other. Whoever plays the first, second and third games will do the best they can. It’s normal that in the media, with Joan and Unai in LaLiga, there’s a debate. I have been away [from Spain] for a very long time. I remember the first time I came to the national team, people asked who I was. I’m trying to make it hard forthe manager to decide.”

Raya’s club record strengthens that claim. Since making an Arsenal debut in September 2023, the 30-year-old has kept 48 Premier League clean sheets, which is 12 more than any other goalkeeper. Last season, Raya posted the league’s seventh-highest save rate, stopping 69.8 percent of efforts on target.

Those numbers followed an impressive 2025-26 campaign for Arsenal. Raya helped the Gunners win the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final in the same season. The performances confirmed Raya as a key figure in Arsenal’s recent success under pressure at elite level.

Spain’s goalkeeping discussion also sits within a long tournament record. This edition marks Spain’s 17th World Cup appearance, and the 13th consecutive participation. Stability in selection has often been important for Spain, yet the current group includes several credible goalkeepers competing for minutes.

Raya accepts that playing away from LaLiga for many years affected recognition in Spain, especially earlier in an international career. The goalkeeper now uses that experience as motivation, aiming to convince Luis de la Fuente through training and performances, whether chosen to start or support from the bench.