News Focus
- Emiliano Martínez heads the betting at +450 to win the 2026 World Cup Golden Glove award
- The Argentina goalkeeper won the prize in Qatar 2022 and at the Copa América 2024
- Spain’s Unai Simón shares top favouritism, while Brazil’s Alisson sits close behind
- France’s Mike Maignan, who missed the last World Cup through injury, ranks among the frontrunners
- History suggests the award typically goes to the keeper of the tournament-winning nation
Bookmakers have installed Emiliano Martínez as the early favourite to claim the Golden Glove at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Aston Villa goalkeeper heads the markets at odds of +450, positioning him to make history as the first player to win the prestigious accolade twice.
The Argentine shot-stopper captured the prize during his nation’s triumphant campaign in Qatar three years ago. Supporters still recall his heroic save against Randal Kolo Muani in the dying moments of extra time during the final against France. That crucial stop preserved Argentina’s advantage before they secured the title on penalties.
Martínez enters the North American tournament in formidable form. He recently kept five clean sheets during Argentina’s victorious Copa América 2024 defence, conceding just one goal throughout the entire competition. His consistent brilliance between the posts makes him the logical choice for punters.
Spain’s Unai Simón shares the top spot in the odds table at +450. The Athletic Bilbao custodian served as his country’s number one during their European Championship victory last summer. This will mark his second appearance on football’s biggest stage after featuring in all four of Spain’s matches in 2022.
France’s Mike Maignan ranks among the leading contenders at +600. The AC Milan goalkeeper claimed the Golden Glove at Euro 2024 despite Les Bleus falling to Spain in the semi-finals. He missed the Qatar World Cup through injury but has since established himself as Didier Deschamps’ first-choice keeper.
Other notable candidates include Brazil’s Alisson Becker (+500), England’s Jordan Pickford (+700), and Portugal’s Diogo Costa (+1000). Statistics suggest the award typically favours keepers from the champion nation, with four of the last five winners lifting the trophy with their teams.