Matt Freese: World Cup profile | USA & New York City FC goalkeeper

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·28. Mai 2026

Matt Freese: World Cup profile | USA & New York City FC goalkeeper

By Cal Meachem

Meet Matt Freese.

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New York City FC's star goalkeeper has evolved into one of MLS's premier shot-stoppers and could backstop the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Freese is one of three MLS goalkeepers on the USMNT roster, alongside Matt Turner (New England Revolution) and Chris Brady (Chicago Fire FC).

Age: 27
Hometown: Wayne, Pennsylvania

MLS background

Originally a Philadelphia Union homegrown, Freese backed up three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake before being traded to NYCFC ahead of the 2023 season.

From there, Freese blossomed into one of the league's top goalkeepers during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns.

He's helped guide the Pigeons to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs during both years.

Awards & stats

23 clean sheets in 103 MLS appearances
327 career MLS saves
2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year finalist
2020 Supporters' Shield winner

New York City FC schedule

International experience

Caps: 14
Clean Sheets: 3

A relative unknown on the international stage ahead of 2025, Freese parlayed his excellent club season into an opportunity with the USMNT.

After making his debut in June, he started 13 international matches, including every game at the Concacaf Gold Cup.

Freese's strong form over the past year may have earned him the starting job in between the posts.

This will be Freese's first World Cup appearance.

World Cup schedule

The United States are in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye.

June 12: USA vs. Paraguay, 9 pm ET | Los Angeles, California
June 19: USA vs. Australia, 3 pm ET | Seattle, Washington
June 25: USA vs. Türkiye, 10 pm ET | Los Angeles, California

The 2026 World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, has expanded from the usual 32 nations to 48 total.

The top two teams advance from each group, and the top eight third-place finishers also make the knockout phase (Round of 32).

World Cup history

This will be the United States' 12th World Cup appearance and second time hosting the tournament (1994).

The program's best-ever finish came in the inaugural 1930 edition (third place), though their best result of the modern era was a quarterfinal finish in 2002.