Madrid – As Spain continues its preparations for the 2026 World Cup, one position remains firmly settled under coach Luis de la Fuente: goalkeeper. Unai Simón of Athletic Bilbao is, unequivocally, the first choice, a status reinforced after a convincing 3-0 victory over Serbia on March 27th, 2026. De la Fuente has repeatedly emphasized his faith in Simón, dismissing any notion of a rotation policy that might create doubt around the starting role.
“A Unai no tengo que reafirmarle. Sería injusto no valorar lo que hace, lo que es, su trayectoria. Seamos justos, no dependamos de modas o debates,” De la Fuente stated following the Serbia match, as reported by AS.com. ( AS.com) This sentiment underscores a clear message: Simón’s position isn’t under scrutiny, and his consistent performances have earned him the full backing of the national team manager.
The confidence in Simón is so strong that De la Fuente swiftly dismissed any speculation surrounding the inclusion of Joan García in the squad, despite the latter’s potential. García is expected to feature in the upcoming friendly against Egypt in Barcelona, but this is viewed as an opportunity to gain experience rather than a challenge to Simón’s authority. “Yo no tengo duda alguna, porque sé que los cuatro son una garantía. En todo,” De la Fuente insisted, highlighting the depth of quality within the goalkeeping ranks, but firmly establishing Simón as the leader.
This unwavering support from De la Fuente is a departure from the often-fluid nature of team selections, particularly in a national team setting where opportunities are limited. The coach’s decision to publicly back Simón, even amidst external debate, speaks volumes about his assessment of the player’s abilities and his importance to the team’s dynamic. It’s a clear signal that De la Fuente values stability and consistency in a crucial position.
Simón’s recent form has undoubtedly contributed to this trust. He has now started eleven consecutive matches for La Roja, a testament to his reliability and consistent performance. His clean sheet against Serbia further solidified his position, demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level against competitive opposition. The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper has become a mainstay in the Spanish national team, and his presence provides a sense of security at the back.
The dynamic within the goalkeeping group itself appears to be healthy, with De la Fuente emphasizing the strong camaraderie between Simón, García, David Raya, and Robert Remiro. “Se apoyan entre todos. Es una pena tener que dejar a uno sin vestir. Disfrutemos de este nivel de porteros,” De la Fuente commented, acknowledging the quality and professionalism of all four goalkeepers. While Simón is the clear number one, the coach recognizes the importance of having a strong support system in that position.
Interestingly, De la Fuente’s straightforward approach to player management contrasts with the more nuanced strategies employed by the individual goalkeeping coaches of each player. The national team manager embraces this difference, stating, “Quedaría bonito decir que estudié en Harvard la filosofía del fútbol….” suggesting he prefers a more direct and pragmatic approach. His focus remains on fostering a positive team environment and making decisions based on what he believes is best for the team as a whole.
The selection of Simón also reflects a broader tactical philosophy under De la Fuente. The coach clearly values a goalkeeper who is not only reliable in shot-stopping but also comfortable with the ball at his feet and capable of participating in the build-up play. Simón embodies these qualities, making him an ideal fit for De la Fuente’s possession-based style of play. “El portero tiene que ser fiable, pero también partícipe del juego,” Simón himself has stated, acknowledging the modern demands of the position.
De la Fuente’s commitment to Simón extends beyond mere tactical considerations. He has consistently defended the goalkeeper against criticism, recognizing his value as a player and a leader within the squad. This unwavering support has been particularly important in recent times, as Simón has faced scrutiny from some sections of the media. The coach’s public backing has undoubtedly boosted Simón’s confidence and allowed him to perform at his best.
Looking ahead, Spain’s next challenge is a friendly match against Egypt in Barcelona. While this match provides an opportunity for players like Joan García to gain valuable experience, it is widely expected that Unai Simón will retain his place in the starting lineup. The focus will be on continuing to build momentum and fine-tuning preparations for the upcoming World Cup, where Spain will be aiming to make a significant impact.
The success of De la Fuente’s tenure thus far – including a Nations League title in 2023, a Eurocopa victory in 2024, and a place in the 2026 World Cup – has been built on a foundation of clear hierarchies and unwavering faith in his key players. Unai Simón is a prime example of this approach, and his continued presence between the posts will be crucial to Spain’s ambitions in the years to arrive. ( Diario Vasco)
Spain’s next confirmed match is against Egypt on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2026, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT). Fans can follow the match live on official La Roja social media channels and through accredited sports news outlets.
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