David Raya praises Unai Simón and downplays goalkeeping debate ahead of Spain's World Cup opener

David Raya toned down the debate over the starting goalkeeper for Spain at the World Cup, praising teammate Unai Simón on Saturday and saying La Roja is in good hands with him.

Spain begins its quest for a second World Cup title on Monday against Cape Verde in Group H in Atlanta.

Simón has been the regular starter under coach Luis de la Fuente, but talk about a possible change in goal increased following stellar seasons by the squad's other goalkeepers: Raya, who helped Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final, and Joan García, who helped Barcelona win the Spanish league while being named the competition's best goalkeeper.

“Spain is in very good hands no matter who gets to play,” Raya said Saturday. “I think Unai Simón, since his debut, has raised the level of the goalkeeping position. We won the Nations League and the European Championship with him. And I think he’s a great goalkeeper who has given us these titles as the starter.”

De la Fuente did not name his starting goalkeeper in advance, adding fuel to the debate in Spain. He used all three of them in the team’s warmups ahead of the World Cup, though Simón got the nod to start in the final preparation match.

“It's normal (to have a debate),” Raya said. “There’s always been a lot of competition among the goalkeepers that we've had. It’s about camaraderie, striving to be better, to make the coach's job difficult. We’re all here to help the team. Whoever gets to play will do their best.”

Spain on Saturday had its last practice session at its camp in Tennessee before traveling to Atlanta for its opener.

Spain will have a full squad available for the match after forwards Víctor Muñoz, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returned to training this week after recovering from injuries.

Spain's second match will be against Saudi Arabia on June 21, also in Atlanta. The team’s final group game will be against Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Spain rebounded from a round of 16 elimination by Morocco at the 2022 World Cup by winning the 2024 European Championship in Germany. La Roja also won the 2023 Nations League, and was runner-up to Portugal in the 2025 Nations League.

Spain hasn’t gone further than the last 16 in the World Cup since its lone title in 2010.

AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup

Spain goalkeeper David Raya works out during a training session, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Spain goalkeeper Joan Garcia works out during a training session, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Spain goalkeeper David Raya works out during a training session, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon reacts to fans during a training session, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Spain goalkeeper David Raya, center, attends a training session, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

CHICAGO (AP) — Looks like Shohei Ohtani is feeling much better.

Ohtani hit a leadoff homer for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday in his return to the starting lineup after being sidelined by inflammation in his left knee.

The two-way star connected on a 1-0 fastball from White Sox right-hander Sean Burke for his 14th homer. The 409-foot drive to right in the first inning had an exit velocity of 109.6 mph.

It was Ohtani's fifth leadoff homer of the season and No. 29 for his career.

The Japanese slugger batted again in the second and reached on a two-out walk.

The 31-year-old Ohtani was back at designated hitter after he rested during Friday’s 8-2 loss in the series opener at Chicago. The knee inflammation popped up Thursday night at Pittsburgh, prompting Ohtani to leave an 8-6 win over the Pirates in the seventh.

“We took him out of the game the other night just for precautionary,” manager Dave Roberts said before Saturday's game against the White Sox. “Yesterday, treated it up, today he feels great. All the confidence that he can go out there and hit, feel good, not regress at all.”

Ohtani remains on track to pitch Wednesday against Tampa Bay. The 6-foot-4 right-hander tested how his knee feels with his throwing motion by playing catch in the outfield before Saturday's matchup with the White Sox.

Ohtani, who had surgery on his left knee in September 2019, began the day with a .305 batting average and 40 RBIs in 67 games for the NL West leaders. On the mound, the reigning NL MVP is 6-2 with a 1.06 ERA in 11 starts.

Roberts also said Justin Wrobleski is expected to make his next scheduled start on Tuesday against the Rays. The left-hander left in the fifth inning on Thursday night because of a left hamstring contusion.

“Yesterday I talked to him and he is a little sore, which is understandable, but he’ll be ready to go on Tuesday,” Roberts said.

Roberts, 54, is going to miss Sunday's series finale against the White Sox. Bench coach Danny Lehmann is going to run the team while Roberts attends his daughter's college graduation.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani, from Japan, warms up before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani, from Japan, touches his knee before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani, from Japan, warms up before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani, from Japan, during warmups before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)