Courtois and Neuer threaten Barthez's World Cup clean sheet record in 2026

Fabien Barthez could lose his World Cup clean sheet record at the 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The French goalkeeper, who started in the World Cups of 1998, 2002 and 2006, kept a clean sheet ten times in 17 matches played in the competition — a mark he shares with Englishman Peter Shilton.

Two serious contenders are emerging. Thibaut Courtois has seven clean sheets at the World Cup and remains Belgium’s number one goalkeeper, who have been drawn in a group with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. With three group matches guaranteed and potentially several additional rounds, the Real Madrid goalkeeper has a realistic window to match and then surpass the ten-clean-sheet mark.

Manuel Neuer finds himself in the same position. Back in the German national team after a long absence, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper also has seven clean sheets at the World Cup and will be the starter in goal for the Mannschaft. Germany, typically solid in knockout stages, offers him prospects similar to those of Courtois.

Fernando Muslera, the third goalkeeper with seven clean sheets, is relegated to number two status in Uruguay, making significant progress unlikely. Hugo Lloris, meanwhile, ranks seventh in this historical standings with eight matches without conceding a goal, but the former France captain has retired from international football.

Barthez’s record has stood since 2006. It may not survive the summer of 2026.