US goalkeepers prepare for World Cup as Pochettino delays starter announcement
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 10:19 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
As the U.S. men's national team gears up for its World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday night, coach Mauricio Pochettino has not yet announced his starting goalkeeper. Both Matt Freese and Matt Turner are vying for the position, with Freese likely seen as the frontrunner given his recent performances. Historically, U.S. goalkeepers have had significant international success, creating high expectations for their current options. The U.S. team is finalizing its preparations in Orange County ahead of the group stage match. All 26 players completed a full practice session, with Tyler Adams returning after a maintenance day.
- •U.S. opens World Cup against Paraguay on Friday night.
- •Pochettino has yet to name a starting goalkeeper.
- •Freese has been the regular starter since the Gold Cup.
- •All 26 players participated in a full practice this week.
- •Adams returned to practice after a maintenance day.
- 10:19 PMYahoo Sports — US goalkeepers aim to live up to predecessors at World Cup, yet Pochettino hasn't picked a starter
"In many previous World Cup cycles over the past three decades, the best and most accomplished players on the U.S. men's roster were their goalkeepers. While Matt Freese and Matt Turner are both solid domestic professionals, they have yet to match their esteemed predecessors' level of international accomplishment for club or country. Both are hoping they can summit that obstacle over the next few weeks — as soon as coach Mauricio Pochettino lets them know who's starting Friday night, that is.
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