Who has recorded the most clean sheets at the World Cup?

Which goalkeepers have the most clean sheets at the World Cup? Discover who has the most and which keepers could join the list after the 2026 tournament.

Goalkeepers can often be overlooked when it comes to looking at what it takes to win the World Cup. Keeping clean sheets and being dependable at the back is just as important as players that can produce goals and assists going forward.

But which goalkeepers have proven themselves to keep the most World Cup clean sheets?

Below, we delve into the keepers with the highest number of clean sheets in World Cup games, taking a look into each of their careers at the tournament. And, with plenty of top-class goalkeepers heading to the 2026 edition, we’ll also take a look at who might be able to join the list in the summer!

Of course, if you’re already predicting greatness, discover the latest World Cup betting odds for all the tournament’s matches as they unfold.

Who has the most World Cup clean sheets?

The most clean sheets kept at the World Cup is actually a tie between two goalkeepers – Fabien Barthez and Peter Shilton.

These two keepers share the record, with Shilton being the first to achieve the record after the 1990 World Cup and Barthez reaching the tally following the 2006 tournament. Interestingly, the two keepers reached this number in the same number of games after both played 17!

The keepers with the most World Cup clean sheets

Though you may know the two keepers with the most World Cup clean sheets, here are the others that join them in having the most:

Fabien Barthez, 10 clean sheets

Featuring in three different tournaments, Fabien Barthez appeared 17 times at the World Cup between 1998 and 2006. The French shot-stopper managed to win the World Cup in his first tournament in 1998, keeping five clean sheets in seven appearances and lifting the trophy on home soil.

The following tournament in 2002 wasn’t as successful as the reigning champions had hoped, with them exiting in the group stages. Despite this, Barthez kept one clean sheet during these three group games in the form of a 0-0 draw with Uruguay.

Finally, his final tournament in 2006 was yet another run to the final where they faced off against Italy. Despite being on the losing side, Barthez managed to produce four clean sheets for his side at the age of 34.

Peter Shilton, 10 clean sheets

Like Barthez, Shilton also kept ten clean sheets after appearing 17 times at the World Cup. The Englishman’s appearances were made between 1982 and 1990, and he featured in three separate tournaments. Despite not winning the World Cup, Shilton reached as far as the semi-final in 1990, only going out on penalties.

His first outing in 1982 saw England, despite being invincible, bow out of the tournament after finishing behind West Germany in the second group stage. Shilton managed to get four clean sheets in five appearances here, only conceding a goal in a 3-1 win over France. Though exiting the tournament, Shilton was part of the only England team not to lose a match at the tournament since their 1966 World Cup-winning side!

The 1986 tournament saw England reach the quarter-finals against Argentina, with Shilton managing three clean sheets in his five appearances. This tournament saw the keeper take over the captaincy for the remainder of the campaign, with the game against Morocco seeing captain Bryan Robson pick up a tournament-ending injury and vice-captain Ray Wilkins receive a red card. England eventually lost 2-1 to Argentina after a Maradona masterclass (and some ‘Hand of God’ controversy!).

The English goalkeeper’s final World Cup came in 1990 where he made his most appearances at the tournament with seven. As previously mentioned, England made the semi-final against West Germany here, drawing the game 1-1 and eventually losing 4-3 on penalties. Being 40 years old at the time, his longevity and consistency was impressive as he played every minute of England’s journey.

Jan Jongbloed, 8 clean sheets

Following the top two is the Netherlands goalkeeper who finished runner-up at the World Cup twice, both in 1974 and 1978. Jongbloed was part of the well-known “Clockwork Orange” teams during the 1970s, recognised for their impressive tactics and for reaching back-to-back finals.

The Dutch shot-stopper’s first appearance came in the 1974 tournament, with the new ‘Total Football’ philosophy being introduced. His style of play was more alike to that of a modern-day goalkeeper, as he was able to effortlessly control and pass the ball far outside his penalty area – contrasting the majority of goalkeepers from this era. This tournament saw him keep five clean sheets in seven appearances, only conceding one to Bulgaria in the first group stage and two to West Germany in the final.

His second tournament came in 1978, but he wasn’t actually supposed to play. Jongbloed was only brought in to be a reserve goalkeeper, but after an injury to Piet Schrijvers in a group match against Italy he was promoted to the starting XI. This saw him only make five appearances during the tournament, with him keeping three clean sheets in this time.

Leao, 8 clean sheets

Though attending four different World Cups as a part of the Brazilian squad, Leao only appeared in two of these tournaments. He’s regarded as one of the best Brazilian goalkeepers of all time, and he contributed greatly to the Selecao’s back line with his leadership. Leao also holds the title of being the first Brazilian goalkeeper in history to captain the national team, only repeated by Dida in 2006.

His first World Cup came in 1970, where he played a reserve role at just 20 years old. It was here where he won his only World Cup, despite not playing any minutes. He was then elevated to a starter in the 1974 tournament, making seven appearances and keeping four clean sheets and finishing fourth after losing the third-place play-off against Poland.

The 1978 tournament saw him be a starter yet again, keeping the same record of four clean sheets in seven games. This time, however, Leao was captaining the team for the majority of the tournament and Brazil finished third after beating Austria in the third-place play-off match.

He then missed out on the 1982 tournament due to the manager Tele Santana preferring other options such as Peres because of tactical reasons and disagreements due to Leao’s outspoken nature. This meant that his final inclusion at a World Cup was in 1986, seeing him go back to playing a squad role at the age of 40.

Sepp Maier, 8 clean sheets

A legendary figure between the sticks for West Germany, Sepp Maier is a well-celebrated keeper for his national team. He was a central part in West Germany’s World Cup success in 1974 and was also part of their squad when they became runner-up in 1966.

His first inclusion at the World Cup was at the 1966 tournament, though he didn’t play any minutes here as he was just a backup for Hans Tillowski. By 1970, however, he had managed to establish himself as West Germany’s number one goalkeeper which meant he started in every game they played in Mexico. This campaign saw him fail to keep a single clean sheet in his five appearances, but he helped his national team to beat Uruguay in the bronze final and finish in third place.

The 1974 tournament was much more successful for Maier, as he managed to win the World Cup on home soil. Here, he made seven appearances and kept four clean sheets whilst playing every minute of the campaign.

He then returned between the goalposts for a final time in 1978, managing another four clean sheets in six appearances. Despite this, West Germany didn’t manage to get through the second group stage, cutting their tournament shorter than the reigning champions would’ve wanted.

Taffarel, 8 clean sheets

Revered Brazilian goalkeeper Taffarel was crucial in Brazil’s national team throughout the 1990s, playing a key role in their World Cup-winning campaign in 1994. Renowned for his penalty-saving heroics, Taffarel will be forever remembered by fans around the globe.

His first tournament came in 1990, where he made four appearances and kept two clean sheets. This wasn’t a great year for the Selecao as they only managed to reach the round of 16 before being beaten by Argentina.

1994 was a resounding success though, winning their fifth World Cup, and Taffarel was central to it all. Not only did he keep five clean sheets in his seven appearances, but he managed to only concede three goals the entire tournament. The final against Italy ended in a penalty shootout where the goalkeeper managed to save Daniele Massaro’s penalty and pressure Roberto Baggio, leading to him missing his final shot.

He then returned for a third and final tournament in 1998, keeping one clean sheet in seven appearances. Reaching the final again, Brazil were hoping for back-to-back World Cup victories but lost 3-0 to France.

Hugo Lloris, 8 clean sheets

As one of the record appearance makers at the World Cup, Hugo Lloris has a fantastic legacy in the competition. Captaining France to the World Cup in 2018 and to a second-place finish in 2022, he’s had some great moments for Les Bleus over the years.

The first of his four tournaments came in 2010, where he made three appearances and kept one clean sheet. As first choice keeper, he would’ve made more but France were knocked out in the group stage. He next returned between the sticks at the next World Cup in 2014, only losing 1-0 to eventual champions Germany in the quarter-finals. This campaign saw him keep three clean sheets in five games, only conceding in the loss to Germany and in a 5-2 win over Switzerland.

It wasn’t until 2018 when he would be able to lift the trophy, as he made six appearances and kept three clean sheets. The only game he missed was a 0-0 draw against Denmark, with Steve Mandanda filling in as his understudy. Lloris made some crucial saves throughout the tournament, with a memorable stop against Uruguay keeping France ahead just before half time.

He returned in 2022, aiming to win back-to-back World Cups, but agonisingly lost on penalties to Argentina. Throughout the course of the campaign, he made important saves against England in the quarter-finals and even Argentina in the final, demonstrating his elite reflexes.

Gilmar, 7 clean sheets

The final Brazilian goalkeeper on this list, Gilmar featured at the World Cup in the late 1950s and during the 1960s. Described as ‘the father of modern Brazilian goalkeepers’, it’s safe to say he left a lasting legacy in the sport.

First appearing in the 1958 tournament, he appeared six times and kept four clean sheets, helping Brazil to win their first-ever World Cup after beating Sweden 5-2 in the final. Using his reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, he was a key part of the Selecao only conceding four goals for the entire tournament. Repeating the feat in 1962, he was able to win back-to-back World Cups and kept two clean sheets in six appearances. Playing every minute of the two campaigns, he demonstrated what a trusted figure he was.

His final appearance at the World Cup came in 1966, where he only played in a 2-0 win over Bulgaria and a 3-1 loss to Hungary. He was then dropped before Brazil’s loss to Portugal which saw them eliminated.

Thibaut Courtois, 7 clean sheets

As the 2018 Golden Glove winner, Thibaut Courtois has certainly proven his world-class goalkeeping abilities on a global stage. Appearing for his national team in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, he’s been ever-present in recent years, contributing to a third-place finish as well.

His World Cup debut in 2014 saw him keep two clean sheets in five appearances as Belgium managed to reach the quarter-finals against Argentina before they were eliminated after a narrow 1-0 defeat. 2018 was much more of a success as Courtois kept three clean sheets in seven appearances, going a step further and reaching the semi-finals. Again, though,  he was on the receiving end of another 1-0 defeat, but this time to the eventual champions France. Meeting England in the third-place play-off, Courtois remained a commanding presence and helped his team to a 2-0 victory.

Finally, he featured again in 2022 as Belgium were eliminated in the group stage after finishing beneath Morocco and Croatia. Here, he managed two clean sheets in a 1-0 win over Canada and a 0-0 draw against Croatia, but it wasn’t enough for his side to progress.

Fernando Muslera, 7 clean sheets

Fernando Muslera was a key presence in Uruguay’s back line for all World Cups throughout the 2010s, even assisting in Uruguay’s semi-final run in his debut tournament!

Making seven appearances at the 2010 tournament, Muslera and Uruguay made it to the semi-final against the Netherlands where they lost 3-2. Playing in the third-place play-off match against Germany, they faced another 3-2 defeat and finished fourth. Muslera then returned for the 2014 tournament, this time only managing one clean sheet against Italy in the group stage before being knocked out by Colombia in the round of 16.

Though not the last tournament he was involved in, Muslera made his final World Cup appearance at the 2018 tournament. In Russia, he made five appearances and kept three clean sheets as Uruguay made it to the quarter-finals against France but lost 2-0. For the 2022 tournament, at 36 years old, he only played a squad role as the backup for Sergio Rochet.

Iker Casillas, 7 clean sheets

Winner of the 2010 World Cup, Iker Casillas featured in Spain’s World Cup squads across four tournaments between 2002 and 2014. Winning the 2010 Golden Glove as well, it’s impossible not to recognise him as one of the top goalkeepers that the tournament has ever seen.

At his debut World Cup in 2002 he wasn’t initially meant to feature as a starter, but following an injury to Santiago Canizares he rose to first choice at only 21 years old. Making crucial saves such as against Republic of Ireland in the round of 16, he was important in Spain’s progression during the tournament. The quarter-final put them up against the co-hosts South Korea where they lost on penalties. Now first choice, Casillas made three appearances in the 2006 World Cup and captained the side twice. This tournament saw him keep one clean sheet, with Spain going on to lose to France in the round of 16.

The 2010 tournament was the real crowning moment of his World Cup career as he won the tournament. He’s forever remembered for captaining Spain to their first ever World Cup title after a 1-0 win over the Netherlands. Keeping five clean sheets in seven appearances, he won the Golden Glove too!

His final tournament was in 2014 where he appeared twice, not performing to his previous levels and seeing him dropped for Pepe Reina in Spain’s final game against Australia as they were eliminated from the group.

Manuel Neuer, 7 clean sheets

The final member on this list is the legendary German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. The World Cup winner played for his national team between 2010 and 2022, before retiring from international football… or so we thought! In an incredible U-turn, he’s been called up for the 2026 tournament!

Recognisable for his incredible ability to command his box and remain composed on the ball and under pressure, Neuer is a unique goalkeeper.

In 2010 he became Germany’s starting keeper and only conceded one goal in the group stage in a 1-0 loss to Serbia. Throughout the entire tournament, he kept three clean sheets in Germany’s six-game run to third place after beating Uruguay in the bronze final.

His most remembered tournament was in 2014 when Germany became champions. Here, he earned the Golden Glove by keeping four clean sheets in seven games. Though not tested by Argentina in the final, he was pivotal in their journey there.

In both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, Neuer wasn’t able to keep any clean sheets in either after making three appearances in each. These were underwhelming campaigns as Germany were eliminated in the group stage for both tournaments.

Which goalkeepers will hope to climb up the list at the 2026 World Cup?

Though most of these keepers have retired and can’t improve their position on this list, there are a couple who might be able to improve their ranking.

Thibaut Courtois is still a key figure for Real Madrid and looks set to return to play again at the 2026 tournament, meaning he has at least three games remaining in his World Cup career. With their opponents being Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, he has a great chance to add at least one more clean sheet to his tally. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer will be hoping to get minutes to top up his own record.

Another active goalkeeper who’s close to this list is Alisson Becker on five clean sheets. So, with a few strong defensive displays from Brazil he could soon add his name into the top 12 keepers.

Finally, Jordan Pickford has four clean sheets so far in his World Cup career. Considering he picked up three in the 2022 tournament, if he repeats the feat in 2026, he’ll add himself into the top 12 keepers as well!

So, there we have it – the goalkeepers with the most World Cup clean sheets; and those who’ll be hoping to contest for a place on the list come July!