Why Arsenal’s David Raya is still watching from the bench at World Cup 2026

David Raya has not played a single minute for Spain at the 2026 World Cup despite arriving in North America off the back of a Golden Glove-winning season with Arsenal, with Unai Simón continuing to be preferred as Luis de la Fuente’s first-choice goalkeeper heading into Monday’s quarter-final against Portugal.

Spain have made it through to the last eight in impressive fashion despite a stuttering start, having drawn nil-nil with Cape Verde in their opening group fixture. They responded emphatically with a four-nil thrashing of Saudi Arabia before topping Group H with a narrow one-nil win over Uruguay, a result that handed them a more favourable route through the knockout rounds.

That form continued into the round of 32, where Spain eased past Austria three-nil to set up a mouth-watering last-eight tie against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Throughout all four matches, however, it has been Simón between the posts rather than the Arsenal number one, leaving supporters questioning why one of the Premier League’s outstanding goalkeepers remains an unused substitute.

Raya’s stellar domestic season

Raya travelled to the World Cup on the back of a landmark campaign for Arsenal, having helped fire the Gunners to the Premier League title. His performances were rewarded with the Golden Glove for the most clean sheets kept in England last season, and he also played a central role in Arsenal reaching the Champions League final.

Those credentials would ordinarily make him a strong candidate for a starting berth at international level, yet De la Fuente has shown no sign of shifting his loyalty away from Simón, who remains Spain’s established number one.

Why De la Fuente is sticking with Simón

Part of the reasoning appears to be tactical continuity. Simón is understood to be closely aligned with Spain’s defensive passing patterns and the system De la Fuente has built around him, meaning the manager is reluctant to disrupt that structure even with Raya thriving in Arsenal’s own set-up.

Simón also carries significant tournament pedigree, having played a key role in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign. That proven record under pressure appears to be another major factor in De la Fuente’s decision to maintain an unchanged defensive spine, regardless of the calibre of the alternative waiting in reserve.

What comes next for Spain

Simón is expected to continue in goal when Spain face Portugal in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the World Cup so far. The quarter-final is due to kick off at 8pm UK time on Monday, with coverage available on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer.

For Raya and Arsenal supporters back home, the wait to see the goalkeeper in Spanish colours at this World Cup goes on, with De la Fuente showing no inclination to break from the selection policy that has carried his side into the last eight.