Home / Sports / New Goalie Matt Freese Starts for USA in 2026 World Cup
New Goalie Matt Freese Starts for USA in 2026 World Cup
19 Jun
Summary
- Matt Freese is the starting goalie for the US in the 2026 World Cup.
- Freese previously played college soccer in the Ivy League at Harvard.
- Matt Turner lost his starting job due to inconsistent game time.
Matt Freese is currently the starting goalkeeper for the United States men's national soccer team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having been selected for the opening match against Paraguay. This decision represents a shift in the team's goalkeeping strategy, with the 27-year-old Freese now ahead of the previously established starter, Matt Turner.
Freese's journey includes a notable college career in the Ivy League at Harvard, from which he departed early to join the Philadelphia Union. After a trade to New York City FC in January 2023, he secured a starting role. His selection by manager Mauricio Pochettino indicates growing confidence in his abilities.
In contrast, Matt Turner, 31, has experienced a period of reduced playing time. His career since the last World Cup saw limited appearances with Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace, followed by a move to Lyon in France, and a subsequent loan to the New England Revolution. This inconsistency appears to have cost him his starting position with the USMNT.
