Matt Freese has had a year worth writing about. The New York City FC goalkeeper went from earning his first senior international cap to starting a FIFA World Cup opener, all within roughly 12 months, and now he is preparing to face the same opponent that started it all.
Freese made his debut for the US Men’s National Team on June 7, 2025, in a friendly against Türkiye. He played the full 90 minutes and recorded three saves.
From debut to World Cup starter
When US Soccer announced the 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 26, 2026, Freese’s name was on it.
Then came June 12, 2026. Freese started the World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, under coach Mauricio Pochettino. In doing so, he became the first active MLS player to start a World Cup match in goal for the USMNT.
