Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón’s incredible clean-sheet streak finally came to an end during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Belgium. After going 650 minutes without conceding a goal, the Spanish shot-stopper saw his remarkable run end when Belgium found the net in the first half.
Despite conceding for the first time in the tournament, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals. They will now face France in one of the biggest matches of the competition.
Belgium End Spain’s Defensive Dominance
Spain entered the quarter-final with one of the strongest defensive records in World Cup history. The team had not conceded a single goal throughout the 2026 tournament, thanks to a disciplined backline and several crucial saves from Unai Simón.
However, Belgium finally broke through in the 41st minute. Charles De Ketelaere timed his run perfectly and moved ahead of defender Pau Cubarsí before heading home a cross delivered by Timothy Castagne. The goal made the score 1-1 and ended Spain’s historic run of clean sheets.
Although Belgium celebrated the breakthrough, Spain regained control in the second half and eventually secured a 2-1 victory to continue their World Cup journey.
Unai Simón Sets a New World Cup Record
Even though the streak ended, Simón created history by recording 650 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal in World Cup matches. This is now the longest clean-sheet streak in tournament history.
The previous record belonged to legendary Italian goalkeeper Walter Zenga, who kept five straight clean sheets and remained unbeaten for 517 minutes during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.
Simón surpassed that milestone during Spain’s 3-0 victory over Austria in the Round of 16. He extended the record further before Belgium finally found a way past him.
How the Historic Streak Began
The Spanish goalkeeper’s remarkable run actually started during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
After Spain’s 2-1 defeat to Japan in the group stage, Simón did not concede another goal in regular playing time. Spain then played out a 0-0 draw against Morocco in the Round of 16 before losing in the penalty shootout.
The streak continued into the 2026 World Cup. Spain opened the tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde and then produced four consecutive clean-sheet victories on their way to the quarter-finals.
As a result, La Roja became the first team in this edition of the World Cup to keep six straight clean sheets before Belgium ended the run.
Spain Now Prepare for France Clash
Although the record came to an end, Spain’s main objective remains alive. The European champions have reached the World Cup semi-finals, where they will meet a powerful French side.
Therefore, Spain will now look to combine their strong defence with attacking quality as they aim to reach the World Cup final.
For Unai Simón, the goal against Belgium may have ended an extraordinary record, but his performances throughout the tournament have already secured a place in World Cup history.