Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WHICH GOALKEEPERS WILL SAVE PENALTIES AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Who will be the next hero between the posts? The 2026 World Cup promises epic penalty shootouts, and several goalkeepers arrive with a reputation as penalty-saving specialists. From established figures like Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez to promising youngsters like Diogo Costa and Giorgi Mamardashvili, this article analyzes the best goalkeepers who could shine in the shootouts. We discuss statistics, styles, interesting facts, and what we can expect when it all comes down to the penalty spot.
The Most Decisive Goalkeepers from the Penalty Spot
Who Arrives with a Hero's Label?
Some goalkeepers don't just make saves, they intimidate. Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, for example, already demonstrated in the Copa América and the 2022 World Cup that he can win you a match from the penalty spot. With a 46% success rate in penalty saves in shootouts, he's one of the names that strikes fear into opponents. Another player with interesting numbers is Dominik Livaković (Croatia), who was key in Qatar 2022 and has an average of 38% penalty saves in decisive moments. In addition, we cannot forget Hugo Lloris, who will no longer be there, but left his mark; and Wojciech Szczęsny, who saved a penalty from Messi in the group stage in 2022. The legacy of specialist goalkeepers grows, and several new ones are ready to take the baton in 2026.
Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez – Argentina
Dominik Livaković – Croatia
Diogo Costa – Portugal
Yassine Bounou – Morocco
Unai Simón – Spain
These names are being mentioned, but there are more dark horses who could surprise. It all depends on the moment and the pressure.
Statistics that don't lie
What do the numbers say about penalties?
The data doesn't lie: saving penalties in a World Cup is serious business. The average success rate for penalty takers exceeds 75%, so the goalkeeper starts at a disadvantage. However, there are those who defy the odds. For example, Diogo Costa, goalkeeper for Porto and Portugal, saved 3 penalties in a row in the same shootout at the U-21 European Championship. Bounou, for his part, saved two penalties in Morocco's historic victory over Spain at Qatar 2022. According to Opta, these are the goalkeepers with the best average penalty saves among those who qualified for the 2026 World Cup (last 3 years): Dibu Martínez – 46% Bounou – 42% Livaković – 38% Diogo Costa – 35% Matt Turner – 31%>
The science behind penalty kicks has also been refined: some goalkeepers use algorithms and shooting patterns. At the elite level, everything is analyzed in detail.
New promises or old acquaintances?
Those who could spring a surprise
The 2026 World Cup will also be the ideal stage for new goalkeepers to become idols. Saving a penalty at a crucial moment can immortalize you. This happened with Tim Krul in Brazil 2014 or with Sergio Goycochea in Italy 90. Stories of unexpected heroes abound.
Some young goalkeepers arrive hungry and with frightening statistics. One of them is Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia), who is already a star in LaLiga and is shaping up to be a wall. Another is André Onana (Cameroon), controversial but with cat-like reflexes. Bart Verbruggen (Netherlands) and Gavin Bazunu (Ireland) are also to watch, having shown composure and technique.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – young revelation
André Onana – African experience
Verbruggen – Dutch future
Bazunu – Irish promise
Chevalier – French dark horse
In the World Cup, it's not all about established names. Pressure, history, and timing make the difference. And in a penalty shootout, any goalkeeper can become a legend.
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