Matt Freese expected to start for USMNT against Paraguay in World Cup opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 3:18 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Matt Freese is likely to start as goalkeeper for the U.S. Men's National Team in their World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 10 at SoFi Stadium. Freese, 27, has been the first-choice keeper under coach Mauricio Pochettino for the last year and recently completed a 90-minute performance in a tuneup match. He has an academic background from Harvard, where he studied economics and computer science while pursuing a professional soccer career. Freese aims to honor the legacy of former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard by wearing No. 24 during this historic match, the first U.S. World Cup home game since 1994.
- •Freese has started 15 of 18 matches leading up to the World Cup.
- •The match is the first home World Cup game for the U.S. since 1994.
- •Freese is a Harvard graduate with a degree in economics.
- •His familial background includes numerous academics and scientists.
- •Freese previously had a standout performance in last summer's Gold Cup.
- 3:18 PMYahoo Sports — Meet Matt Freese, the USMNT keeper who chose Harvard over Man Utd
- 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — Matt Freese, USMNT's Harvard-educated goalkeeper, poised to start World Cup opener vs. Paraguay
"Matt Freese is one of the more unusual stories in the United States squad at the 2026 World Cup. The New York City FC goalkeeper is part of Mauricio Pochettino’s group as the USMNT prepare to face Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.
"Matt Freese brings an Ivy League background and a year as Mauricio Pochettino's top choice into the USMNT's World Cup opener.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 12, 2026, 3:18 PMMeet Matt Freese, the USMNT keeper who chose Harvard over Man Utd
Matt Freese is one of the more unusual stories in the United States squad at the 2026 World Cup. The New York City FC goalkeeper is part of Mauricio Pochettino’s group as the USMNT prepare to face Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.
- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 12:30 AMMatt Freese, USMNT's Harvard-educated goalkeeper, poised to start World Cup opener vs. Paraguay
Matt Freese brings an Ivy League background and a year as Mauricio Pochettino's top choice into the USMNT's World Cup opener.
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