THE KEEPER'S JOURNAL
Goalkeeper history, glove technology, training, and the science of grip.
Giorgi Mamardashvili — Georgia's Breakout at the 2026 World Cup
Giorgi Mamardashvili took Georgia to a first World Cup knockout game. Georgia beat Croatia 1–0 in the group and lost 0–1 to Mexico in the round of 32.
Gregor Kobel — Switzerland's First World Cup Quarterfinal Since 1954
Gregor Kobel started Switzerland's 2026 World Cup after the Sommer years and reached a first quarterfinal since 1954. He saved Cucho Hernández in the Colombia shootout, then lost 3–1 to Argentina after extra time.
Guillermo Ochoa — Mexico's Sixth World Cup
Guillermo Ochoa went to a sixth World Cup as backup to Raúl Rangel, came on in the 78th minute against Czechia at the Azteca, and became the oldest Mexican to play at the tournament. Mexico topped Group A, lost the round of 16 to England 3-2, and Ochoa retired after.
Jordan Pickford — England's Record Caps and a Bronze Medal
Jordan Pickford left the 2026 World Cup with an England appearance record of 18, a semifinal loss to Argentina, and a bronze medal after a 6–4 win over France.
Kasper Schmeichel — Denmark's No. 1 at the 2026 World Cup
Kasper Schmeichel started Denmark's 2026 World Cup as the confirmed No. 1. Denmark drew Australia 1–1, then lost 0–2 to Spain in the round of 16.
Kim Seung-gyu — South Korea's No. 1 at the 2026 World Cup
Kim Seung-gyu started South Korea's 2026 World Cup. Korea beat Ghana 1–0 in the group and lost 1–2 to Portugal in the round of 32.
Koen Casteels — Belgium's No. 1 at the 2026 World Cup
Koen Casteels started Belgium's 2026 World Cup after the golden generation. Belgium beat Costa Rica 1–0 and lost 1–2 to Spain in the round of 16.
Manuel Neuer — A Fifth World Cup at 40
Manuel Neuer reversed retirement, started a fifth World Cup at 40, and lost a round-of-32 shootout to Paraguay 3–4 after a 1–1 draw.
Martin Dúbravka — Slovakia's No. 1 at the 2026 World Cup
Martin Dúbravka started Slovakia's 2026 World Cup with Newcastle habits. Slovakia beat Canada 2–1 in the group and lost 0–1 to Switzerland in the round of 32.