Ati-Zigi named World Cup’s most effective shot-stopper despite injury-shortened campaign

Ghana international Lawrence Ati-Zigi has emerged as the most effective goalkeeper at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America after topping the tournament's goals prevented rankings.

The St. Gallen shot-stopper recorded a goals prevented figure of 2.35, a metric that measures how many goals a goalkeeper saves above expectations based on the quality of shots faced compared to the number of goals conceded.

Ati-Zigi also finished as Ghana's highest-rated player among those who featured for at least 100 minutes during the tournament, earning an impressive average match rating of 7.21.

The 29-year-old's World Cup campaign, however, was cut short by injury. He played just 135 minutes after starting the Black Stars' opening group match before being forced off during Ghana's second fixture of the tournament.

Despite his limited playing time, Ati-Zigi's outstanding performances stood out as one of the biggest positives for Ghana during the competition.

The Black Stars reached the Round of 32 for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup before suffering a narrow defeat to Colombia, bringing their campaign to an end.

With the World Cup now behind them, Ati-Zigi and the Black Stars will shift their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ghana have been drawn in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, Gambia and Somalia as they begin their quest for a place at the continental showpiece.