World Cup stories: Brad Friedel names the best goalkeepers on show at this summer's tournament

The game's biggest superstars will head to North America this summer for the largest-ever World Cup finals, and among them are some of football's elite names.

It's the type of tournament where attacking players usually get all the headlines, but over the years, we've seen some standout performances from the men between the sticks. 

Among them are Gordon Banks' wonder save from Pelé in 1970, Dino Zoff starring for Italy, and Oliver Kahn winning the Golden Ball at the 2002 finals. 

In 64 days' time, several top shot stoppers are heading to the festivities, hoping to make their mark on World Cup folklore and eyeing a Golden Gloves award at the end of the summer.

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One man who knows all about being a top keeper is former US number one Brad Friedel, who represented his country at both the 1998 and 2002 finals.

Ahead of his home nation co-hosting the 2026 competition, the ex-Liverpool and Blackburn man has named who he thinks will be the best three goalies on show, with England's first choice getting earmarked by the American legend. 

"I would say Emi Martinez is up there with the best keepers in the world," he exclusively told DAZN News, thanks to Gambling.com, who rank new casinos in the UK.             

"He performed so well in the last World Cup, so you can expect him to have a big impact this year as well, for sure.

"I would also say Jordan Pickford as well. He has never let England down. Zero goals conceded in qualifying and delivers top performances on the big stage as well.

"I would also say Alisson for Brazil is going to be a top goalkeeper at the World Cup. He has proven over the years that he is one of the best shot stoppers and also can play too with his feet." 

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The World Cup stage is the perfect platform for any player to have a breakout moment. 

Whether it's a new name taking their chance in football's brightest spotlight or a first tournament for a young player at the top of his game, history tells us there have been plenty of players who have become household names thanks to their performances at a major finals. 

For Friedel, there's only one man he sees as the player we'll all be talking about in North America. 

"With more countries in the World Cup now, it's good to see more nations coming to the big stage, and I am sure you will see players from these so-called smaller nations set the world alight with some World Cup magic that they will be remembered for," he said.

"So likely a name we haven’t heard before that has an impact in a game, scores a brilliant goal or two.

"But looking at the stars we know, Yamal will be playing at his first World Cup for Spain, and he could really cement his name for the future if he performs as he has done for Barcelona.

"So he would be the one I would be looking out for." 

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