Unai Simon Emerges as Favorite for 2026 World Cup Golden Glove

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Glove after a series of standout performances that helped his country reach the tournament final.

Awarded to the best goalkeeper of the World Cup, the Golden Glove often recognizes players who deliver decisive saves in the knockout rounds and consistently perform under pressure. According to Fox Sports, four of the previous five winners have come from the team that eventually lifted the World Cup trophy.

Based on odds from FanDuel Sportsbook as of July 19, Simón leads the race comfortably ahead of his closest challengers.

2026 World Cup Golden Glove Odds:

- Unai Simón (Spain): -750

- Emiliano Martínez (Argentina): +650

- Josimar Vozinha (Cape Verde): +2200

- Jordan Pickford (England): +4500

Before Spain's semifinal victory over France, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan was considered the frontrunner for the award. However, Spain's 2-0 win propelled Simón to the top of the odds board following another commanding display.

Simón has conceded only one goal in seven matches during the tournament while recording six clean sheets, setting a new World Cup record for the most clean sheets by a goalkeeper in a single edition. Spain has also established a tournament record with six clean sheets as a team.

As reported by Fox Sports, Simón's shutout streak reached 649 consecutive minutes before ending in Spain's 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium, marking the longest scoreless run by a goalkeeper in World Cup history.

Meanwhile, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who won the Golden Glove at the 2022 World Cup, remains the second favorite. However, Argentina's defense has conceded goals in every knockout-round match leading up to the final, including two against Cape Verde in the Round of 32, two against Egypt in the Round of 16, one against Switzerland in the quarterfinals, and one against England in the semifinals.

With Spain entering the World Cup final boasting one of the tournament's strongest defensive records, Simón appears well positioned to add another individual honor to La Roja's campaign.

Read: Ferran Torres Says 'Destiny' Led Spain to 2026 World Cup Title

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