Paraguay keeper Orlando Gill tops World Cup 2026 saves chart as underdogs shine in goal

Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill has emerged as the standout shot-stopper at the 2026 World Cup so far, leading the tournament for saves with a remarkable 23 stops, according to data provider Squawka.

The 28-year-old has been a central figure in Paraguay’s campaign, repeatedly keeping his side in matches as they face some of the world’s leading attacking talents. His tally puts him clear at the top of the goalkeepers’ rankings for saves made in the tournament to date.

Gill leads the way as Room and Kobel chase

Gill’s 23 saves place him three ahead of his closest challengers, Curacao’s Eloy Room and Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel, who are tied in second place with 20 saves each.

Room, representing one of the tournament’s smallest footballing nations, has been heavily involved throughout Curacao’s group-stage fixtures, frequently called upon as his side has come under sustained pressure. Kobel, Switzerland’s number one, has also been busy, underlining his reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers.

The early stages of the knockout rounds and the closing games of the group phase have seen goalkeepers tested repeatedly, with several keepers from outside the traditional football powerhouses standing out in the statistics.

Diogo Costa and Vozinha in the chasing pack

Portugal’s Diogo Costa sits fourth in the overall rankings with 19 saves. The Porto goalkeeper, long seen as one of Europe’s leading modern keepers, has combined his shot-stopping with confident distribution from the back, but it is his volume of saves that currently places him among the tournament’s top performers.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is fifth with 18 saves, another standout from a nation not traditionally expected to feature in the latter stages of a World Cup. His performances have ensured Cape Verde remain competitive despite facing opponents with far greater depth and experience.

Al Owais, Verbruggen and Nyland locked together

Three goalkeepers share sixth place on 16 saves: Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al Owais, the Netherlands’ Bart Verbruggen and Norway’s Ørjan Nyland.

Al Owais has again demonstrated the reflexes that previously caught the eye at the 2022 World Cup, as Saudi Arabia look to make an impact on the global stage. Verbruggen, one of Europe’s highly rated young keepers, has used the tournament to showcase his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure. Nyland’s 16 saves reflect Norway’s open, attacking approach, which has often left him exposed but also given him the platform to impress.

Beiranvand and Bounou complete the top 10

Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand ranks ninth with 15 saves, level with Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, who sits 10th on the same total. Both are experienced international goalkeepers and key figures for their national teams.

Bounou, a hero of Morocco’s memorable run in Qatar 2022, has again been central to his side’s defensive efforts. Beiranvand, meanwhile, has maintained his status as Iran’s first-choice keeper, dealing with sustained pressure in several fixtures.

Full top 10 – World Cup 2026 goalkeepers by saves

1. Orlando Gill (Paraguay) 23 saves
2. Eloy Room (Curacao) 20 saves
3. Gregor Kobel (Switzerland) 20 saves
4. Diogo Costa (Portugal) 19 saves
5. Vozinha (Cape Verde) 18 saves
6. Mohammed Al Owais (Saudi Arabia) 16 saves
7. Bart Verbruggen (Netherlands) 16 saves
8. Ørjan Nyland (Norway) 16 saves
9. Alireza Beiranvand (Iran) 15 saves
10. Yassine Bounou (Morocco) 15 saves

The figures highlight how goalkeepers from emerging and mid-tier football nations are playing a decisive role at this World Cup, often facing higher volumes of shots than their counterparts from the traditional favourites. As the knockout stages progress, the battle to remain top of the saves chart is likely to intensify, with Gill currently setting the benchmark.