Chattanooga, June 14 -- Spain goalkeeper David Raya has welcomed the competition for the national team's number one spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the battle with Joan Garcia and Unai Simon can only help raise standards within the squad.

Raya, who has established himself as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers with Arsenal, is competing with Barcelona's Joan Garcia and Athletic Club's Unai Simon for a place in coach Luis de la Fuente's starting lineup ahead of Spain's Group H opener against Cape Verde on Monday.

While Simon remains the favourite to start after playing a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, Raya said the rivalry among the three goalkeepers is healthy and beneficial for the team.

"[We take the debate] w...