"Dibu" Martínez breaks World Cup final save record

Goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez achieved a new milestone in the World Cup final, recording an impressive 11 saves during Argentina's match against Spain in New Jersey. This remarkable display of goalkeeping prowess saw him surpass the previous record for saves in a World Cup final.

Martínez's 11 interventions in this single game exceeded the total saves made by Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simón throughout the entire tournament, who had 10 saves. The prior record for saves in a World Cup final was held by Brazil's Claudio Taffarel, who made eight saves against Italy in the 1994 final. That match, which ended goalless, saw Brazil secure their fourth title after a missed penalty by Roberto Baggio.

Despite Martínez's extraordinary efforts, Argentina was defeated by Spain in the final. The Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill recorded the most saves in the 2026 World Cup overall, with a total of 28 interventions throughout the tournament.