Matt Freestyle poised to start as MLS goalkeeper for US at 2026 World Cup

Goalkeeper Matt Freese of New York City FC has emerged as the leading candidate to start for the United States men's national team in the 2026 World Cup, which the country will host. If selected, he will become the first MLS‑based keeper to line up for the United States in a World Cup match. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has yet to announce whether Freese or veteran Matt Turner will start in the group‑stage opener against Paraguay.

Both keepers acknowledge the pressure of living up to a storied American goalkeeping tradition that includes Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel and Tim Howard. Freese said, “It’s fair to say the U.S. has a great goalkeeping corps, historically,” while Turner added, “Not a ton of clarity, but I think the messaging for me is just to always be ready.” Freese has been the regular starter since the CONCACAF Gold Cup, earning clean sheets and penalty‑save heroics, whereas Turner was the 2022 World Cup starter before returning to MLS.

The decision will shape the United States’ defensive plan and marks a milestone for Major League Soccer’s growing influence on the national team.