Historically, national teams are iron-clad in their goalkeeping rotation, which is to say there is almost no rotation at all. At the 2022 World Cup, 25 of the 32 teams played only one keeper, and only one team, Brazil, played all three of their goalies.

That gives us a pretty good representation of what will happen in 2026, but of course, the competition was expanded dramatically, from 32 to 48 teams, it's a longer tournament, and anything can happen.

With that said, let's take a look at some of the keepers worth watching.

Zion Suzuki, Japan

(Parma, 23)

  • The brief. Japan's first choice keeper on a highly complex, possession-based system. One of the most promising young goalies in Serie A.
  • The tape. 6-foot-3 shot stopper, who is big on the high claim and comfortable playing out of the back.
  • The numbers. Eight clean sheets and only two goals conceded during Japan's qualification.
  • Watch. Zion Suzuki best saves of 2024/25
  • Projection. Starter.

Raúl Rangel, Mexico

(Chivas, 26)

  • The brief. Taking over El Tri's No. 1 keeper spot after Luis Malagon's Achilles. Led Chivas to No. 2 spot in Liga MX Clausura 2025. Nicknamed "Tala."
  • The tape. Came up through Chivas' academy. Elite aerial authority. Proactive in challenging attackers.
  • The numbers. 15 caps. Won the 2025 Gold Cup and the 2024-25 Nations League with Mexico. Started 15 games, with six clean sheets in Clausura 2025-26.
  • Watch. "Tala" Rangel stops the penalty in the last second of the game.
  • Projection. Starter.
CAPTION

Bart Verbruggen, Netherlands

(Brighton, 23)

  • The brief. Massively important for Brighton. The rare under-24 goalkeeper at the top of the pecking order for his national team. Grew up idolizing Edwin van der Sar.
  • The tape. A modern keeper in every sense of the phrase. Verbruggen is comfortable playing out of the back, and uses his size, wingspan, and legs to make powerful saves.
  • The numbers. 29 caps. 10 clean sheets for Brighton in 2025-26. Three clean sheets for Oranje in qualifying.
  • Watch. Brighton saves compilation 2024/25
  • Projection. Starter. (note: Verbruggen left the final Netherlands friendly with an injury, it is unclear whether he will be ruled out for his team's opener.)

Senne Lammens, Belgium

(Manchester United, 23)

  • The brief. Rose through the Brugge and Royal Antwerps systems before transferring to Man United. Became their No. 1 in 2026. Backs up Courtois on Belgium.
  • The tape. Lammens has garnered a reputation for stopping penalties. Sir Alex Ferguson has compared him to van der Sar in composure, and ability to thrive on a big stage.
  • The numbers. Eight clean sheets over 32 matches for Manchester United. 39 goals conceded. Ranks highly in FotMob's Goals Prevented (4.39).
  • Watch. The best of Senne Lammens in 2025/26
  • Projection. Backup, starts if Courtois is unavailable.
CAPTION

Matt Freese, USA

(NYCFC, 27)

  • The brief. USMNT projected starter ahead of Matt Turner. Came up through Philly Union system. No. 1 keeper for NYCFC.
  • The tape. Strong in shootouts, known for playing mind games with penalty-takers. High-level composure. One of the best pure shot-stoppers in MLS.
  • The numbers. 15 caps. Career-best 11 clean sheets in 2025 MLS. Saved three penalties in the Gold Cup quarterfinal shootout against Costa Rica.
  • Watch. Matt Freese with three huge saves in the Gold Cup penalty shootout
  • Projection. Starter.
Matt Freese penalty save