The USMNT has officially announced its roster for the 2026 World Cup. Matt Freese will surely be the starting goalkeeper for the Stars and Stripes.
There are no shocks, such as Landon Donovan being excluded from the squad in 2014. However, Tanner Tessmann not being called up is a surprise to many. Also, the inclusion of Alejandro Zendejas may have also turned a few heads.
USMNT names its 26-man World Cup roster:
Goalkeepers:Â Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner
Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty
Midfielders:Â Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan, Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas
Strikers:Â Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright
The starting goalkeeper is clear as day
Matt Turner was the USMNT's starting goalkeeper for the last World Cup. That was when he was with Arsenal in the Premier League. He was only the Gunners' back-up keeper, but he did play in cup matches. This led to him joining Nottingham Forest in search of regular game time.
Turner soon lost his place to Matz Sels at Forest, and he became a journeyman. He was on loan at Crystal Palace before joining Olympique Lyonnais and then being loaned to the New England Revolution.
The goalkeeping position used to be where the USMNT was at its strongest. They have had the likes of Tim Howard, Brad Friedel, and Kasey Keller. However, none of Mauricio Pochettino's current keepers play in Europe.
It appears clear that Matt Freese will be the USMNT's starting keeper at the World Cup this summer. He has played in 14 of the Stars and Stripes' last 16 games. Turner may be the more experienced keeper, but Pochettino obviously now has more faith in Freese.
Freese plys his trade for New York City FC, and has conceded 21 goals in 15 MLS games this season. He has kept just three clean sheets, but he is playing for a side that is currently eighth in the Eastern Conference.
Turner has a slightly better record in MLS this season, having conceded 18 goals in 14 matches. He has kept the same number of clean sheets at Freese. However, Turner is playing for a team that is fourth in the table.
The USMNT's other goalkeeping option is Chris Brady, but he will surely be the third choice. The Chicago Fire player is yet to earn his first cap for the Stars and Stripes.
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