Matt Freese is currently riding a wave of success, but the New York City FC goalkeeper isn't letting talk of the 2026 World Cup distract him from the immediate challenges at hand. Despite recently displacing Matt Turner as the starting U.S. goalkeeper for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Freese remains focused on the present, emphasizing that his priority is each new game and the opportunities they present.
Freese's journey to this point has been marked by patience and perseverance. After a standout season with NYCFC, where he was named the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2024, Freese earned his first senior national team call-up in January 2025. He made his U.S. debut in a friendly against Turkey in June and has since started in all three of the USMNT's Gold Cup group stage matches, securing wins against Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti.
Despite one notable error in the game against Haiti, where a mis-hit clearance led to a goal, Freese has generally impressed with his shot-stopping ability and command of his area. His performances have sparked debate about who should be the USMNT's long-term first-choice goalkeeper, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
However, Freese is determined not to get caught up in the speculation. "It's not at the forefront of my mind," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to the present. This focus aligns with the mentality that has characterized his career thus far. Freese's journey hasn't been a straightforward one. After being drafted by the Philadelphia Union, he spent several years as a backup before being traded to New York City FC in 2023. It was there that he finally got his chance to showcase his talent, seizing the starting role and quickly establishing himself as one of the league's top goalkeepers.
Freese's rise has coincided with a period of uncertainty in the U.S. goalkeeping ranks. Matt Turner, who had been the established No. 1, has struggled for consistent playing time at club level, while other contenders such as Zack Steffen have also faced challenges. This has created an opportunity for Freese to stake his claim, and he's doing just that with his performances in the Gold Cup.
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has praised Freese's qualities, noting that the Gold Cup provides an opportunity to assess his ability to handle pressure and compete for a starting position. Pochettino highlighted the importance of giving Freese playing time to evaluate his potential role alongside Matt Turner in the future.
As Freese prepares for the Gold Cup quarterfinal against Costa Rica, his focus remains on the task at hand. He's not letting the allure of the World Cup distract him from the immediate challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By staying grounded and focused, Matt Freese is determined to continue his impressive run and make the most of his chance to shine on the international stage.
