Goalkeepers in FIFA World Cup matches face steep positional and tactical barriers that underpin the 95.1% implied probability traders assign to no goals from the position. Their core duties anchor them near their own penalty area to protect against shots and organize the back line, while teams prioritize defensive stability and outfield attackers for set pieces or counters. Historical precedent reinforces this consensus, as no goalkeeper has scored across prior World Cup finals despite occasional qualifier successes via penalties or free kicks. Recent early-round matches in 2026 have followed the same pattern, with goals coming exclusively from forwards and midfielders. Late-match desperation, an opportunistic long-range punt, or an unusual set-piece opportunity remain theoretical paths to a keeper goal, though such outliers occur infrequently even in high-stakes tournament play.