World Cup 2026: Why Spain’s defense could make history

Milestones keep falling. Goalkeeper Unai Simon has gone 519 consecutive World Cup minutes, surpassing Walter Zenger’s long-standing tournament record of 517 minutes and Iker Casillas’ Spain mark of 476, which ended when Robin van Persie scored his iconic diving header in World Cup 210.

Simon’s rise has been underpinned by the unwavering faith of De la Fuente, who continues to back the 28-year-old despite competition from Premier League Golden Glove winner David Raya and Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The pair first worked together when Spain won the European Under-19 Championship in 2015 before reuniting with the senior team in 2023.

“I’m proud of him,” De La Fuente said after Spain’s win over Austria. “I feel like he’s a member of my family. I’m so happy for him.”

Although de la Fuente was quick to stress these achievements were a reflection of Spain’s collective work rather than one outstanding goalkeeper.

“He played a huge role in this win, but it’s not just about individuals,” said the Spain manager. “It’s about the whole team coming together for that defensive effort.”

Another piece of history is now within touching distance. Switzerland’s streak of 559 consecutive minutes between 1994 and 2010 is the longest by any country. If La Rosa can keep Portugal scoreless until the 41st minute of their last-16 meeting, they will surpass that streak and set a new World Cup record.

Recent evidence suggests there is scope towards them. No team could score against Spain in the opening 75 minutes of this World Cup. Across their four games, opponents produced just one combined attempt on Simon’s goal in the opening half hour and totaled just 10 shots before the break (2.5 in the first half). If these patterns continue against their Iberian neighbours, another benchmark in World Cup history could soon belong to de la Fuente’s team.