US Goalkeepers Aim to Live up to Predecessors at World Cup, yet Pochettino Hasn't Picked a Starter
Matt Freese and Matt Turner are vying for the first World Cup start by an MLS goalkeeper, with Pochettino still weighing his choice.
- U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has not announced his starting goalkeeper for Friday's World Cup opener against Paraguay, with the team preparing at its final training base in Orange County, California.
- Pochettino has rotated Matt Freese, New York City FC goalkeeper, and Matt Turner, New England Revolution goalkeeper, throughout 2026, with Turner starting against Senegal last month and Freese facing Germany last weekend.
- Turner said Tuesday, "The messaging for me is just to always be ready," while Freese emphasized, "You work for this opportunity, but you never know if it's going to come."
- Regardless of Pochettino's choice, the United States will feature a Major League Soccer goalkeeper in net at the World Cup for the first time, marking a historic shift for the program.
- Unlike previous World Cup cycles where the U.S. relied on goalkeepers with major international club experience, both Freese and Turner now hope to match their predecessors' accomplishments during this home tournament.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolIn many World Cup cycles over the past three decades, some of the best players in the U.S. selection were their goalkeepers.
Associated Press News
US goalkeepers aim to live up to predecessors at World Cup, yet Pochettino hasn't picked a starter
The U.S. men's national team still hasn't formally designated a starting goalkeeper for the World Cup ahead of its opening match on Friday.
The Sports Network - USMNT's Matt Turner continues to push for World Cup starting role: 'The door is always cracked'
Matt Freese has been the U.S. team's starter in goal for the last year but Turner's recent form means there's a compelling case for him to be in the lineup for Friday's World Cup opener against ParaguayRead More …
Freese Or Turner As USA's World Cup Goalkeeper? 'Whatever My Role, I'll Be Ready'
U.S. Men's National Team Training Base (IRVINE, Calif.) — Under cloudless sky at the beginning of Tuesday’s practice session, Matt Freese and Matt Turner shuffled their feet and drove to their left and right as they took shots under the watchful eyes of the USA goalkeeper coaches, Toni Jimenez and Jack Robinson. Just three days from now, one of "The Two Matts" will have the eyes of the planet on them as the World Cup co-hosts begin what they hop…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
