World Cup 2026: Yassine Bounou equals Richard Kingston’s historic African clean sheet record

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has etched his name further into FIFA World Cup history after equaling Ghana legend Richard Kingston as the African goalkeeper with the most clean sheets at the global tournament.

The Atlas Lions shot-stopper now boasts four World Cup clean sheets, matching the long-standing record previously held by the former Black Stars captain. 

Bounou, popularly known as Bono, reached the milestone following Morocco’s defensive solidity at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, continuing the remarkable form that first captured global attention during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The Moroccan international had already made history in Qatar by becoming the first African goalkeeper to register three clean sheets in a single World Cup edition as Morocco stunned the football world en route to a historic semi-final finish. 

Now, with his fourth shutout, the 35-year-old has drawn level with Kingson, whose heroics for Ghana at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups remain some of the finest goalkeeping performances by an African on football’s biggest stage.

Kingston was instrumental during Ghana’s unforgettable run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010, producing several iconic saves and keeping clean sheets against Serbia, the Czech Republic and the United States across his World Cup appearances. 

Bounou’s achievement further strengthens his reputation as one of Africa’s greatest-ever goalkeepers. The Al Hilal star has consistently delivered in major tournaments, combining composure, leadership and extraordinary reflexes for the North African giants.

Morocco’s impressive defensive structure under coach Walid Regragui has also played a key role in helping Bounou reach the landmark, with the Atlas Lions continuing to set new standards for African football on the world stage.

With Morocco still competing at the tournament, Bounou now has the opportunity to surpass Kingson outright and become the sole African goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in FIFA World Cup history.