Matt Freese starts for USMNT in World Cup match against Paraguay
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 4:47 PM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
Matt Freese is starting as the goalkeeper for the United States Men's National Team in their World Cup opener against Paraguay. Freese, 27, plays for New York City FC and previously attended Harvard before joining Philadelphia Union. His performance has allowed him to take the starting position from Matt Turner, who has struggled for game time leading into the tournament. Freese has already played 16 senior matches for the national team. Turner's lack of consistent play in recent seasons has made way for Freese's emergence as the primary choice in goal.
- •Matt Freese replaced Matt Turner as starting goalkeeper.
- •Freese previously played college soccer at Harvard.
- •Turner struggled with limited appearances leading up to the World Cup.
- •Freese plays in MLS for New York City FC.
- •The USMNT played Paraguay in their World Cup opener.
- 4:47 PMYahoo Sports — Who is USA’s goalie? Why Matt Freese is the starter for USMNT after time at Harvard
"Matt Turner is the unlucky one who misses out.
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