Spain will play Belgium in a World Cup 2026 quarter-final, entering the match with a notable historical achievement. The Spanish side has made history by getting so far in a World Cup without conceding a single goal. This defensive record is unprecedented; no other country has ever reached the sixth game of a men’s World Cup without allowing an opposition score. Key performances from young defender Pau Cubarsí and goalkeeper Unai Simón have been central to this impressive defensive solidity.
Spain’s Unprecedented Defensive Run
Spain’s progression to the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals has been defined by an exceptional defensive performance. Their historical run means they have not conceded a goal across five matches, a first for any nation at this stage of a men’s World Cup. Unai Simón, Spain’s goalkeeper, recently expressed confidence in the team’s goalkeeping talent, stating, “Sod it, I’ll say it: we have the best goalkeepers at the World Cup.”
Coach Luis de la Fuente has a long-standing relationship with Simón, having guided him through the youth teams. Together, they have achieved significant success, including winning the under-19 and under-21 Euros, an Olympic silver medal, the Nations League, and Euro 2024. This strong foundation and current clean sheet record contribute to a feeling that Spain “feel like Spain again,” with Simón a central figure in this historical accomplishment.
Cubarsí’s Impact in Central Defence
Pau Cubarsí has been instrumental in the Spanish defence, making a significant difference alongside his defensive partner, Aymeric Laporte. Cubarsí’s individual performance has been described as superb, eclipsing even the attention given to Lamine Yamal. The young defender hails from Estanyol, a small village with a population of approximately 200, and is the son of a carpenter whose family business spans four generations. Cubarsí holds the distinction of being the second youngest player ever to make his debut for Spain, with Lamine Yamal being the youngest. On the day Cubarsí made his Barcelona debut, he and Lamine Yamal were collectively younger than Robert Lewandowski.
Cubarsí’s composure has been a consistent talking point. Barcelona’s then-coach Xavi Hernández once remarked, “When I watch him, my heart rate doesn’t change,” highlighting his calm presence. Unai Simón echoed this sentiment, observing: “It doesn’t seem like he’s 19, the way he takes on responsibility is enviable.” His passing statistics underline his quality, with 96% of his 449 passes completed. Notably, 34 of his 71 passes against Portugal were directed into the opposition’s half. Defensively, Cubarsí has completed 19 recoveries and 23 defensive actions, reaching as many clean sheets as quickly as only Paolo Maldini.
Simón’s Journey to the Number One Shirt
Unai Simón has had to overcome strong competition to secure his position as Spain’s No 1 goalkeeper. Simón himself admitted to having questioned whether the role was worth the effort, describing playing in goal as potentially “thankless.” He reflected that the prominent front-page coverage is usually reserved for other players, while the “noise” often falls to the goalkeeper. Throughout the year, Simón has been at the centre of debate, particularly as Athletic Club faced difficulties. His competitors included David Raya, recognised as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, and Joan García, considered the best in La Liga.
Despite ongoing discussions and external pressures, Luis de la Fuente consistently maintained that the goalkeeper position was “never a debate” for him. De la Fuente’s long-standing trust in Simón stems from coaching him through various youth teams, where they achieved collective success. This shared history and mutual confidence have seen Simón make history as part of the Spain team that has reached the World Cup quarter-finals without conceding.
Quarter-Final Team Selections
For the World Cup 2026 quarter-final encounter against Belgium, Spain have made one tactical adjustment to the side that triumphed over Portugal. Fabián Ruiz is introduced into the starting midfield, taking the place of Pedri.
Belgium, meanwhile, welcome the return of Kevin De Bruyne to their starting XI. De Bruyne was on the bench for their previous victory against the USA. He comes in for Amadou Onana, who suffered a ruptured ACL during that match. Jérémy Doku also returns to the Belgian starting line-up, replacing Dodi Lukébakio.
The confirmed starting formation for Spain (4-2-3-1) is: Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal. The list of substitutes available for Spain includes Raya, J García, Pubill, Grimaldo, E García, Llorente, Merino, and To.
Closing Paragraph
As Spain prepares for this World Cup 2026 quarter-final, their historical defensive record stands as a testament to the collective effort and individual performances. This remarkable run has fostered a sense that Spain are now truly themselves again, a feeling reinforced by their unprecedented achievement of reaching the sixth game of a men’s World Cup without conceding.