Matt Freese Aims for Glory as USMNT's Starting Goalkeeper in World Cup Opener Against Paraguay

IRVINE, Calif. — Goalkeeper Matt Freese is expected to take the field as the starter for the U.S. national team in their World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday. Having been the primary choice of coach Mauricio Pochettino for the past year, Freese capped off his preparations with a solid 90-minute performance in a recent exhibition match.

If the 27-year-old from Pennsylvania indeed features in the lineup at SoFi Stadium, it will mark a significant milestone in his career, as it represents the first time the U.S. has hosted a World Cup match since 1994. “I dream of this opportunity, you work for the opportunity, but you never know if it will come,” Freese remarked this week. He added, “I learned probably nine years ago the ones that work hard without promise of reward are the ones that usually succeed.”

Freese's journey combines athletic prowess with academic excellence. A Harvard graduate, he studied economics and computer science, earning a degree online in 2022 while playing professionally. His research on penalty kicks came in handy last summer when he saved three out of six attempts in the Gold Cup quarterfinals.

The Freese family has a strong academic background; both of his paternal grandparents were NIH scientists, and his late father, Andrew, was a neurosurgeon who conducted pioneering gene therapy research. His mother, Marcia, is an accomplished medical management executive, while his aunt is a physics professor at the University of Texas.

After joining the Philadelphia Union as a homegrown player prior to the 2019 MLS season, Freese transitioned to New York City FC ahead of the 2023 season, where he quickly emerged as a key player. He received his first national team call-up in January 2025 and has since solidified his position as a starter for the USMNT, competing with established goalkeepers like Matt Turner.

Freese is set to wear number 24, the same as Tim Howard, a legendary figure in U.S. soccer history. “Howard has done a lot of historic things and really helped his team in the past, and I’d love the opportunity to do the same,” Freese shared. “It's an honor to be part of that group to hopefully continue that great legacy.”

As he prepares for what could be the most significant match of his career, Freese maintains his routine, ensuring consistency during the pressure-filled tournament. “I love keeping things consistent, because if it works for you in small moments, then the game itself doesn't change,” he stated. With the World Cup just around the corner, all eyes will be on Freese as he steps into the spotlight.