World Cup 2026 Golden Glove odds: Who will be the best goalkeeper?

By Deniss Novickis| Published: June 4, 2026, 13:30

A goalkeeper is a key part of any football team, especially at the World Cups, where you need to win eight matches in the space of a month on your way to glory. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, so it’s time to talk about the top contenders to claim the Golden Glove award in North America. We’ll check the odds and name the favourites before making a bold prediction on the eventual winner.

The table below shows the favourites to earn the Golden Glove, with the winner to be announced right after the final on July 19 in East Rutherford. Emiliano Martínez is the top contender according to the bookmakers, but Unai Simón and Alisson Becker are right behind the Argentinian.

Now it’s time to take a closer look at the favourites, examining their international pedigree and standout performances during the 2025/26 season. Below, we analyse the six leading contenders for the Golden Glove award and assess their chances of claiming the prize.

Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) - 5.00

Few goalkeepers arrive at the 2026 World Cup with a stronger international pedigree than Emiliano Martínez. The Aston Villa star was instrumental in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup, winning the Golden Glove after producing crucial saves against Australia, the Netherlands and France, including his iconic stop against Randal Kolo Muani in the final.

He has since added another Copa América title and remains one of the leaders of Lionel Scaloni’s squad. During the 2025/26 season, Martínez maintained his reputation as a big-game specialist, recording six clean sheets in Aston Villa’s triumphant Europa League campaign. If Argentina make another deep run, Martínez’s ability to deliver in knockout matches could make him the frontrunner for a second straight Golden Glove.

Unai Simón (Spain) - 5.50

Unai Simón heads into the tournament as the goalkeeper of a Spanish side widely regarded as the top favourites for the title. He was Spain’s first-choice keeper at both the 2022 World Cup and the triumphant EURO 2024 campaign, giving him valuable experience on football’s biggest stages.

The Athletic Club shot-stopper enjoyed another strong season in 2025/26, helping his club compete in the UEFA Champions League while posting 25 saves across eight appearances. Spain’s possession-based style often limits opponents’ chances, which can be a significant advantage in the Golden Glove race. If La Roja progress to the latter stages, Simón’s consistency and command of the penalty area should put him firmly in contention.

Alisson Becker (Brazil) - 6.00

When it comes to pedigree, few can match Alisson Becker. The Liverpool goalkeeper has been Brazil’s undisputed No. 1 for nearly a decade and has already featured at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Although Brazil fell short on both occasions, Alisson consistently ranked among the tournament’s most reliable goalkeepers.

The 2025/26 season once again highlighted his elite shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure, helping Liverpool challenge on multiple fronts. Brazil enter the World Cup with renewed optimism under Carlo Ancelotti, and a strong defensive structure could significantly boost Alisson’s chances. If the Seleção finally end their long wait for another World Cup title, their experienced goalkeeper is likely to be one of the leading candidates for the Golden Glove.

Ederson (Brazil) - 7.00

While often overshadowed by Alisson at international level, Ederson remains one of the finest goalkeepers in world football. The Fenerbahçe star has amassed an impressive collection of domestic and international trophies, including multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown. His previous World Cup experience is relatively limited, having served primarily as Alisson’s deputy in both 2018 and 2022. Ederson is likely to start on the bench once again.

Nevertheless, Ederson’s exceptional distribution and ability to function as an extra outfield player make him a unique option for Brazil. Should the goalkeeper secure the starting role and guide Brazil deep into the tournament, he possesses the quality required to emerge as a surprise Golden Glove winner.

Mike Maignan (France) - 7.00

Mike Maignan has established himself as the natural successor to Hugo Lloris and will enter the World Cup as France’s first-choice goalkeeper. Although he missed the 2022 tournament through injury, he was a key member of France’s squads at major competitions and has become one of Europe’s most complete goalkeepers.

During the 2025/26 season, Maignan produced another series of outstanding displays for AC Milan, registering 108 saves in Serie A while regularly keeping his side competitive in difficult matches. France possess one of the strongest squads in the competition, which naturally enhances his Golden Glove prospects. If Les Bleus reach another final, Maignan’s reflexes, leadership and command of the box could prove decisive.

Jordan Pickford (England) - 8.00

Jordan Pickford remains one of the most underrated performers on the international stage. The Everton captain was exceptional during England’s run to the semi-finals in 2018 and once again impressed as the Three Lions reached the quarter-finals in 2022. His record in major tournaments is particularly impressive, with numerous clean sheets and several memorable penalty shootout performances.

The 2025/26 season saw Pickford continue to deliver consistently in the Premier League, demonstrating the reliability that has made him England’s undisputed No. 1 for nearly a decade. Under Thomas Tuchel, England are expected to challenge for the trophy, and a solid defensive setup could play directly into Pickford’s hands. If England finally end their long wait for World Cup glory, he should be a serious Golden Glove contender.

1. Back goalkeepers from teams expected to reach at least the semi-finals

   Golden Glove winners almost always come from nations that make a deep run in the tournament. More matches mean more opportunities to keep clean sheets, produce decisive saves and impress FIFA’s Technical Study Group. Since the award was introduced in 1994, seven out of eight winners have reached at least the semis with their teams. The exception is Michel Preud'homme, whose Belgium were knocked out in the Round of 16 at the 1994 World Cup.

2. Don’t focus on clean sheets alone

   Many bettors make the mistake of backing the goalkeeper behind the strongest defence. While clean sheets are important, FIFA also considers the quality of saves, performances in key matches and overall contribution to the team's success. A keeper who makes several match-winning stops can outperform a rival with more shutouts.

3. Look for penalty-shootout specialists

   World Cup knockout football is often decided by penalties. Goalkeepers who have a proven record in shootouts can dramatically enhance their Golden Glove credentials with one memorable performance. Emiliano Martínez's heroics in Qatar 2022 are a perfect example of how crucial penalty saves can be in the voting process.

4. Balance team strength with save volume

   The ideal candidate usually plays for an elite team but still faces enough shots to showcase his ability. Goalkeepers behind dominant defences may not receive enough attention, while keepers on weaker teams rarely play enough matches. The sweet spot is a contender expected to reach the latter stages while relying on its goalkeeper to make several high-impact saves along the way.

Our pick is the favourite, Emiliano Martínez. The reigning Golden Glove winner combines elite shot-stopping, penalty-saving expertise and unmatched experience in high-pressure international matches. Argentina have everything required to retain the World Cup, and Martínez has repeatedly delivered when the stakes are highest. If the Albiceleste reach the semi-finals, backing Dibu to become the first goalkeeper to retain the award looks like the smartest play.

* In the first four editions, this was a Lev Yashin Award, later renamed to the Golden Glove.

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