Former Spanish international goalkeeper Santi Cañizares identifies the current level of goalkeeping at the 2026 World Cup in the United States as the highest seen since the 1978 tournament in Argentina. According to Cañizares, the competition features a rare convergence where elite keepers are in peak form, mid-tier players are overperforming, and unknown substitutes are delivering career-best performances.
Evolution of the Goalkeeping Role in 2026
Cañizares notes that the demands on the position have shifted fundamentally since the late 1970s. While the 1978 World Cup emphasized hand technique and shot-blocking, the modern game requires goalkeepers to be proficient with their feet, a skill Cañizares says is now valued almost as highly as the ability to save shots.
This expanded set of obligations has not lowered the standard of play. Cañizares asserts that in the 2026 tournament, there is a notable absence of “bad” goalkeepers, with the general level of response across all squads remaining consistently high.
Elite Performers: Courtois and Unai Simón
The quarter-final clash between Spain and Belgium highlighted two of the tournament’s most prominent figures. Cañizares describes Thibaut Courtois as “the Messi or the Cristiano of goalkeepers,” arguing that the Belgian’s quality transcends any single month-and-a-half competition and placing him above the standard scoring scale.
For Spain’s Unai Simón, Cañizares identifies this as the best period of his career. He credits Simón’s ability to transmit tranquility and control high-pressure situations, noting that while he benefits from an “impeccable” defensive system, his individual personality makes him a primary candidate for the tournament’s best goalkeeper award.
Consistency and Reliability: Bono and Diogo Costa
Despite Portugal’s early exit at the hands of Spain, Cañizares highlights Diogo Costa as a standout. He claims Costa is currently playing the best football of his career, a state of form that is difficult to achieve precisely when the World Cup begins.
Similarly, Morocco’s Bono remains a favorite for the former Spanish keeper. Cañizares points to Bono’s reliability as a “joker” for his teammates and his decisive role in the penalty shootout against the Netherlands as evidence of his universal recognition as a top-tier keeper.
The Contrast of Jordan Pickford
Cañizares offers a more critical view of England’s Jordan Pickford. While acknowledging that Pickford made one of the tournament’s best saves against Mexico, Cañizares describes his style as “intense and overacted,” claiming he transmits agitation rather than the calm he prefers in a goalkeeper.
He suggests Pickford has not reached the “historic level” typically expected of an England number one, though he notes that Pickford’s presence across three World Cups reflects the broader state of English goalkeeping over the last decade.
Surprises from the Shadows: Nyland and the Underdogs
Norway’s Nyland is singled out as an “absolute surprise.” After a period of limited playing time at Sevilla, Cañizares credits Nyland’s mental resilience and the trust of the Norwegian technical staff for his “impeccable” performance against Brazil.
The tournament has also provided a platform for previously obscure players to alter their professional trajectories:
- Vozinha (Cabo Verde): Previously playing in the Portuguese second division with Chaves and lacking a contract renewal, Vozinha delivered the best games of his career during the tournament.
- Orlando Gill (Paraguay): Following a high-profile round of 16 clash with France, Gill has attracted interest from Spanish La Liga clubs. Cañizares praises his agility and height, though he notes Gill is heavily protected by a strong Paraguayan defensive structure.
- Room (Curaçao): Making an impact during Curaçao’s World Cup debut, Room produced a “spectacular” performance against Ecuador.
- Suzuki (Japan): Though eliminated in the round of 32 by Brazil, Suzuki is noted for his “enormous potential,” a sentiment Cañizares aligns with the judgment of Iker Casillas.
The tournament continues to move toward the final stages, with the remaining goalkeepers fighting to maintain the high standard set in the group and knockout phases.
