Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid has entered the historical records of the FIFA World Cup, after his country drew 0-0 with Iran in the second round of Group G at the 2026 World Cup, being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA noted that Courtois has joined the list of the most prolific clean-sheet keepers in World Cup history, having now reached 8 clean sheets.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet 8 times in 17 matches across his participation in 4 editions of the World Cup, in 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
Thibaut Courtois drew level with Frenchman Hugo Lloris, who achieved the same record across 20 matches in 4 World Cup editions in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Dutchman Jan Jongbloed leads in terms of rate of achievement, having kept 8 clean sheets across just 12 matches, while Brazilian Leão achieved the same feat in 14 matches, German Sepp Maier in 18 matches, and Brazilian Claudio Taffarel also in 18 matches.
Topping the all-time list are Frenchman Fabien Barthez and Englishman Peter Shilton, each having kept a clean sheet in 10 out of 17 World Cup matches.