Matt Freese reflects on World Cup debut and eyes Türkiye rematch

Matt Freese has had a year worth writing about. The New York City FC goalkeeper went from earning his first senior international cap to starting a FIFA World Cup opener, all within roughly 12 months, and now he is preparing to face the same opponent that started it all.

Freese made his debut for the US Men’s National Team on June 7, 2025, in a friendly against Türkiye. He played the full 90 minutes and recorded three saves.

From debut to World Cup starter

When US Soccer announced the 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 26, 2026, Freese’s name was on it.

Then came June 12, 2026. Freese started the World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, under coach Mauricio Pochettino. In doing so, he became the first active MLS player to start a World Cup match in goal for the USMNT.

The World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. With a match against Türkiye scheduled for around June 25, 2026, the goalkeeper who debuted against that same opponent is preparing to face them again on the sport’s largest stage.

What Freese brings to the USMNT

Freese has spoken about the squad’s preparation, noting that the team is working hard to be ready for any situation.

The bigger picture for US soccer and MLS

Freese developed through the youth ranks of the Philadelphia Union before moving to New York City FC in January 2023. A graduate of Harvard University, Freese also played every match of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Freese’s presence in the starting lineup is a signal about where MLS stands in the broader development ecosystem for American players. Freese demonstrates that staying in MLS does not automatically close doors, provided the performances are there and the coaching staff is willing to evaluate readiness on merit.

The Türkiye match on June 25 represents a meaningful narrative thread. The opponent that witnessed Freese’s international debut is now the opponent he will face with group stage points on the line.

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