Goalscorers often grab the headlines at World Cups, but history shows that great goalkeeping is just as important when it comes to lifting football’s biggest prize.
The Golden Glove is awarded to the best goalkeeper at the tournament, and recent winners have often been the difference-makers in the biggest moments. Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez produced one of the most iconic saves in World Cup history against France in the 2022 final, while players such as Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer and Iker Casillas have all used the tournament to cement their legacies.
According to the latest Bet9ja odds, several of the world’s best goalkeepers are in contention heading into World Cup 2026.
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina) – 5.00
It’s easy to see why Martinez tops the market.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper won the Golden Glove in Qatar after helping Argentina lift the trophy and has continued to build his reputation as one of football’s biggest big-game performers. Penalty shootouts, knockout matches and pressure situations seem to bring out the best in him.
If Argentina make another deep run, Martinez will almost certainly be at the heart of it.
Back Emiliano Martinez to retain the Golden Glove at Bet9ja
You can never rule out the best World Cup save of all time. The real Argentine hero. pic.twitter.com/GnFTcmYN0h https://t.co/8sLx4BZJXT
— PITCH•PULSE (@pitchpulse_X) May 28, 2026
Unai Simon (Spain) – 5.50
Spain are tournament favourites and that naturally boosts Unai Simon’s chances.
The Athletic Club goalkeeper was outstanding during Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and has become one of the most reliable goalkeepers in international football. Spain’s possession-heavy style also helps limit opposition chances, increasing the likelihood of clean sheets.
If La Roja go all the way, Simon could be difficult to overlook.
Fancy Spain to dominate the World Cup? Back Unai Simon in the Golden Glove market at Bet9ja
Alisson Becker (Brazil) – 6.00
Few goalkeepers in world football combine shot-stopping, composure and distribution quite like Alisson.
The Liverpool star will once again be Brazil’s number one as the five-time world champions chase a first World Cup title since 2002. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil are expected to be one of the strongest teams at the tournament, which gives Alisson every chance of making a serious challenge for the award.
A deep Brazil run would make him one of the favourites.
Back Alisson for Golden Glove ahead of World Cup 2026 at Bet9ja
Ederson (Brazil) – 7.00
Ederson’s presence near the top of the market reflects the uncertainty surrounding Brazil’s goalkeeping situation.
While Alisson remains the favourite to start, Ederson is one of the world’s elite goalkeepers and would immediately become a strong contender if given the gloves. Both keepers played 45 minutes in Brazil’s 6-2 friendly win over Panama yesterday, so it’s unclear as of yet who will be Carlo Ancelotti’s number one. Ederson’s ability with the ball at his feet has transformed modern goalkeeping and makes him a unique option.
Fancy Ederson to make a big impact? Back him for Golden Glove at Bet9ja
Mike Maignan (France) – 7.00
France have reached two of the last three World Cup finals and are once again among the favourites.
Mike Maignan has firmly established himself as Les Bleus’ first-choice goalkeeper and earned widespread praise for his performances at Euro 2024. With France boasting one of the strongest squads in the competition, Maignan could have plenty of opportunities to shine in the knockout rounds.
Many observers believe he is one of the best pure shot-stoppers in the tournament.
Back Mike Maignan for Golden Glove in the World Cup betting markets at Bet9ja
Jordan Pickford (England) – 8.00
Jordan Pickford’s tournament record is often overlooked.
The Everton goalkeeper has been England’s number one through multiple deep runs at major tournaments and has repeatedly delivered in high-pressure moments. With Thomas Tuchel’s side among the leading contenders to win the World Cup, Pickford’s chances look stronger than ever.
If England finally end their long wait for international glory, their goalkeeper could be a major reason why.
Back Jordan Pickford to win the Golden Glove and England to go deep at World Cup 2026
The Other Contenders
Further down the market, there are some fascinating outsider options. Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois remains one of the world’s elite goalkeepers and can be backed at 21.00, while Netherlands stopper Bart Verbruggen shares the same price.
At bigger prices, Norway’s Orjan Nyland is 34.00, USA goalkeeper Matt Freese is 41.00, while Uruguay’s Sergio Rochet is available at 67.00.
Among the African contenders, Morocco’s Yassine Bounou is priced at 81.00 despite his heroics at the 2022 World Cup, while Senegal’s Edouard Mendy can be backed at 101.00.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is priced at 8.00 after another outstanding season, while Germany’s Oliver Baumann sits at 11.00 – though it’s likely neither have a starting berth at the tournament with Unai Simon and Manuel Neuer likely the favoured number one spot for Spain and Germany respectively.
Who Will Win the Golden Glove?
History suggests the winner will likely come from one of the teams expected to challenge for the trophy itself.
Argentina, Spain, Brazil, France and England all boast elite goalkeepers and are among the favourites to reach the latter stages. That makes Martinez, Simon, Alisson, Maignan and Pickford particularly appealing options.
The question is simple: which goalkeeper will produce the tournament’s defining save?
