Spain Break World Cup Goalkeeping Record as Simón Stays Untouched
Unai Simón has barely broken a sweat at the 2026 World Cup, and that is precisely the point. The Spain and Athletic Club goalkeeper passed 560 minutes without conceding during Spain’s 1–0 last-16 victory over Portugal, surpassing Switzerland’s long-standing record of 559 minutes accumulated across the 1994, 2006 and 2010 tournaments. According to The Guardian, Spain have now become the first men’s side in history to reach the sixth game of a World Cup without letting in a single goal.
The previous benchmark to fall was Walter Zenga’s 517-minute record, which Simón eclipsed against Austria in the last 32. Portugal’s Nuno Mendes did clip the crossbar in the 41st minute of the last-16 tie, but the net remained undisturbed. Mikel Merino settled it at the other end with a 90th-minute winner.
What makes the record particularly striking is how seldom Simón has been truly tested. Spain conceded just 15 shots across the entire group stage, with Austria failing to muster a single attempt on target. The xG figures tell a similar story: 0.14 against Saudi Arabia, 0.20 against Uruguay, 0.32 against Austria. Even Portugal, who The Guardian notes caused more problems than any previous opponent, managed only 10 shots, two on target, and an xG of 0.58.
Simón has made just six saves across the tournament. Of the keepers still standing, only Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez has made fewer — though Martínez has conceded four goals in his last two games alone.
Spain’s understudy goalkeeper Joan García offered a telling insight into the team’s defensive philosophy.