Unai Simón sets new World Cup unbeaten goalkeeping record

Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simón has made history in the 2026 World Cup, setting a new record for the longest streak without conceding a goal. During Spain's 3-0 victory over Austria on July 2, Simón reached an unprecedented 519 consecutive minutes without an opponent finding the back of the net in World Cup matches.

This remarkable achievement, accumulated across the 2022 and 2026 tournaments, places Simón ahead of previous record holders. He surpassed the 517-minute mark set by Italian goalkeeper Walter Zenga in 1990. According to sports analytics firm Opta, Simón also broke the record previously held by his compatriot Iker Casillas, who had a streak of 476 minutes.

Simón's clean sheet run began during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. After conceding a goal against Japan, he maintained his goal line intact through subsequent matches. This defensive solidity has spanned encounters against Morocco (2022), and in 2026, against Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and Austria. Notably, he prevented a late goal against Cabo Verde in the current tournament.

Data from Sofascore highlights Simón's performance, including seven saves, three stops within the penalty area, and 1.16 goals prevented. The collective effort of Spain's defenders, full-backs, and their pressing game has been crucial to this ongoing streak. The BBC noted that Spain has not conceded in their last five World Cup games, a feat previously achieved only by Italy in 1990 and Switzerland between 2006 and 2010. Simón will aim to extend his record in the upcoming round of 16.