Predrag Rajković

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Predrag Rajković: A Season of Form and World Cup Ambitions

Predrag Rajković, the 30-year-old Serbian international goalkeeper, is firmly in the spotlight as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches. Currently plying his trade with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, Rajković is showcasing consistent form, making a strong case for a pivotal role in his national team's World Cup campaign. Born on October 31, 1995, his age places him at a prime stage of his career for a goalkeeper, balancing experience with peak physical attributes.

Current Form & Season Performance

The 2025-2026 season has seen Rajković as a consistent presence between the sticks for Al-Ittihad. He has made 30 appearances in the Saudi Pro League, accumulating 2663 minutes on the pitch. During this period, he has kept 8 clean sheets and made an impressive 97 saves, demonstrating his shot-stopping ability. While he has conceded goals, his save percentage stands at a respectable 70.3%, and he has a "Goals Prevented" statistic of 5.24, highlighting his impact on denying opposition scoring opportunities. His distribution is also noteworthy, with a 70.9% successful pass rate. Rajković's recent club performances include a strong 8.1 FotMob rating in a 1-3 away win against Al-Ettifaq on May 14, 2026, and an 8.6 rating in a 0-2 away win against Al-Taawoun on April 29, 2026.

World Cup 2026 Prospects

Rajković's prospects for the 2026 World Cup appear strong. He has been a regular in the Serbia national team, earning 44 caps to date. Crucially, he featured in all three group stage matches for Serbia at the UEFA Euro 2024, indicating his standing as a preferred choice for the national team's coaching staff. He also made one appearance for Serbia in 2026 and four in 2025 in various competitions, including World Cup Qualifiers and UEFA Nations League, further solidifying his claim for the starting spot. Given his experience at previous World Cups (2018 and 2022 squads, though without appearances) and Euro 2024, he brings valuable tournament exposure. As the primary goalkeeper, his expected impact at the 2026 tournament would be to provide a reliable and commanding presence, crucial for Serbia's defensive stability.

Playing Style & Tactical Analysis

Standing at 1.91m (6 ft 3 in), Predrag Rajković possesses the commanding physical presence expected of a top-tier goalkeeper. His playing style is characterized by strong shot-stopping, as evidenced by his high number of saves this season. He is known for his agility and reflexes, often making crucial interventions. Rajković also exhibits good aerial command, an important asset in dealing with crosses and set pieces. His passing accuracy of 70.9% suggests he is competent in initiating attacks from the back, a skill increasingly vital in modern football. While specific weaknesses are not prominently highlighted in available data, like any goalkeeper, his concentration under sustained pressure and decision-making in one-on-one situations will always be under scrutiny at the highest level.

Key Stats & Milestones

• Age: 30 years old (born October 31, 1995)
• Club (Al-Ittihad) 2025-2026 Season:
• Appearances: 30 (Saudi Pro League)
• Minutes Played: 2663
• Clean Sheets: 8
• Saves: 97
• Goals Conceded: 41 (Saudi Pro League)
• Save Percentage: 70.3%
• Goals Prevented: 5.24
• Red Cards: 2
• International Caps (Serbia): 44
• International Goals: 0
• Career Milestones:
• Winner, FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 (with Serbia U20)
• Winner, UEFA U-19 Championship 2013 (with Serbia U19)
• Nominated for best goalkeeper at U20 World Cup 2015.
• Played in all three group stage matches at UEFA Euro 2024.

Expert Predictions

While specific expert predictions for Rajković's World Cup 2026 chances are not universally available in current search results, his consistent club form and recent involvement in major international tournaments for Serbia suggest he is the frontrunner for the starting goalkeeper position. His performance at Euro 2024, where he played every minute of the group stage, strongly indicates the national team coach's trust in him. Analysts would likely point to his experience and the continuity he provides as crucial factors. His main competition within the Serbian squad would be from other established or emerging goalkeepers, but Rajković's current standing, particularly after a solid season, positions him favorably to be Serbia's number one at the 2026 World Cup.