Matt Freese has gone from MLS backup to the USMNT’s starting goalkeeper, and he begins a home World Cup as the man between the posts. Born in Pennsylvania, Freese came through the Philadelphia Union academy before finding regular football at New York City FC, and he started the United States’ opening win at the World Cup 2026.
From Philadelphia to New York City
Freese began his career at the Philadelphia Union, his hometown club, but chances were limited behind their established goalkeeper. A move to New York City FC changed that, giving him a run of games and the platform to become a first-choice MLS keeper. The table below covers his club career in our database.
| Club | Starts | Saves | Clean sheets | Goals conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Union | 12 | 33 | 0 | 17 |
| New York City FC | 101 | 330 | 25 | 130 |
What the numbers say
Freese’s New York City FC record is that of a busy, reliable keeper: 330 saves and 25 clean sheets across 101 starts. He is a steady shot-stopper inside and outside his box, and he is comfortable with the ball at his feet, acting as a sweeper behind a high line. That modern profile suits the way the United States want to play, building from the back rather than just clearing their lines.
Matt Freese and the USMNT
For the United States, Freese is the goalkeeper head coach Mauricio Pochettino has trusted with the gloves at a home World Cup. He plays behind a settled center-back pairing of Chris Richards and Tim Ream, and his distribution helps turn defense into attack. See where he fits in our USMNT roster guide.
Freese’s role behind a high line
With the United States camped in Paraguay’s half, Freese’s job was less about shot-stopping and more about positioning. He started high to act as a sweeper behind a pushed-up defense, ready to mop up anything played in behind, and was largely a spectator as a result. Beaten only once all night, it was the kind of quiet, alert performance a keeper has to be ready for when his team dominates.
USA 4-1 Paraguay and what is next
Freese had a quiet night in the opener, largely a spectator behind a dominant team as the United States beat Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium, and was beaten only once all night. Read the full USA vs Paraguay player ratings. Next up is Australia in Seattle on June 19. Planning to go? See our World Cup 2026 tickets guide. For the bigger picture, see our World Cup 2026 hub and the latest World Cup 2026 winner odds, with more at U.S. Soccer. Must be 21+ and present in a state where betting is legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Matt Freese is an American goalkeeper for New York City FC and the starting keeper for the USMNT at the World Cup 2026. Born in Pennsylvania, he came through the Philadelphia Union academy before establishing himself in MLS.
Freese came through the Philadelphia Union, where he was mostly a backup, before a move to New York City FC, where he became a first-choice goalkeeper in MLS.
He is a modern goalkeeper, a confident shot-stopper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and acts as a sweeper behind the defense, helping the United States build from the back.
Freese started in goal in the 4-1 win over Paraguay and was largely untroubled behind a dominant team, beaten only once all night.