Why has David Raya not been starting at World Cup? Arsenal star's Spain snub explained

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Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya has been snubbed in Spain’s route to Sunday’s showpiece final thanks to the stellar performances of Unai Simon. Raya has carved out a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in world football, playing an integral role in leading the Gunners to their first Premier League triumph since 2004 last term.

The 30-year-old’s switch from Brentford three seasons ago coincided with Arsenal ’s push for their elusive league title and he secured his third consecutive Golden Glove in the 2025/26 campaign with an astonishing 19 clean sheets last term. A momentous campaign at club level promised to be even more fruitful with the prospect of starring in between the sticks at the World Cup .

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Sadly for the Arsenal 'keeper, though, things have not quite worked out that way. Simon was the preferred first-choice for Spain in their run to Euros glory in 2024 , with Raya only starting their final group stage game despite flourishing in his maiden Arsenal campaign, but his performances heading into this tournament were becoming too impressive to ignore.

Nonetheless, Simon’s status as their long-established number one has resulted in Raya not playing a single minute in North America. But why has the Barcelona-born ‘keeper not made a lasting impact on the biggest stage?

Selection headache

Luis de la Fuente had a crucial decision to make ahead of their curtain-raiser with Cape Verde , whether to stick with the man who had started the previous four tournaments or select a goalkeeper in Raya who has flourished in recent seasons. Simon had a lacklustre campaign as Athletic Bilbao shipped the most goals since their dismal 2012/13 campaign where they finished in 12th, conceding 58 times over the course of the league season.

Raya was the polar opposite, conceding only one more goal than the Invincibles and flourishing when playing out from the back. Nevertheless, it has been the Bilbao ‘keeper who was has been trusted by his national team and the decision has ultimately been vindicated.

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Spain have built upon solid defensive foundations with the meanest defence in the World Cup with their faultless rearguard only being penetrated against Belgium. Before Charles De Ketelaere’s leveller, Simon had his hands on a World Cup record of not conceding in over 650 minutes.

While Arsenal fans will see Raya’s lack of minutes as a blessing in disguise with several of their key stars struggling with fatigue this tournament, he did all he could to stake a claim for a starting role this summer. However, De la Fuente has prioritised international experience over club form with Simon delivering in the critical moments, notably when he came out of his box early to deny Kylian Mbappe breaking through the Spanish backline twice with vital clearances in the semi-finals.

Speaking about the goalkeeping dilemma ahead of the tournament, the Spain coach said: “I don’t believe in pressure. I feel zero pressure. The decision we make regarding the goalkeeper will be based on an assessment of each situation to determine which goalkeeper best suits our needs. All three have fantastic qualities. We have three of the best goalkeepers in the world, and whoever plays will offer us complete confidence.”

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Crunching the numbers

In terms of the statistical narrative, the two do not differ significantly. It’s important to recognise that Simon is in a side that faces more shots on goal and had to make 40 more saves over the course of the league season, preventing 2.17 goals, compared to Raya’s 0.66, which underlines the importance of Simon to his team.

Raya registered 13 more league clean sheets and was much more convincing in his area coming for more crosses, claiming them or punching them, indicative of a ‘keeper who thrives in taking responsibility for incoming deliveries. However, Simon’s stats during this World Cup speak for themselves.

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While he has played fewer games, he has posted an outstanding 90% save percentage with the 2023 Nations League winner actually conceding 0.71 fewer goals than expected. History shows that a formidable shot-stopper is often the backbone of a World Cup-winning team and Simon has repeatedly answered the call in the clutch moments.

The final say

In truth, it is impossible to look past Simon for his show-stopping displays and Raya has simply been a victim of his success. He was understandably questioned prior to the tournament after several high-profile errors in La Liga last term which led to goals, putting him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

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In contrast to Raya’s incredible campaign, it looked as if the former Blackburn Rovers shot-stopper could finally make his international breakthrough. However, to say Simon has been immense this summer would be an understatement.

Aided by an evolving defensive partnership of Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte, La Roja are closing in on replicating their 2010 triumph where they only conceded once in the tournament and Simon has been at the centre of that. Spain are closing in on an international dynasty as they close in on back-to-back international tournaments and De la Fuente’s decision not to select Raya has ultimately proved dividends despite his undeniable quality.

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