Starting spot with USMNT is not guaranteed for NYCFC's Matt Freese

On Tuesday, the 26-man roster for the United States men's national team was revealed. Fans already knew who would be on the roster thanks to it being leaked a few days earlier. Hence, New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese will be going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He is the second NYCFC goalkeeper to go to the World Cup with the USMNT, for former player Sean Johnson was a part of the squad in Qatar. But the difference is that Freese has a shot to start and has been fighting to solidify the starting role for the last year. But with the slight drop in his form and with Matt Turner's improved form, the question of who will start is one that has been raised.

And, it has now been confirmed that Freese's starting role with the USMNT is not guaranteed. He has to fight in training and during the upcoming friendlies.

NYCFC's Matt Freese may not start for the USMNT

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that the goalkeeper starting role is open. He has not decided who will get the start between the sticks. In the news conference after the roster reveal, he said that "Goalkeeper is open. It’s also seeing what they show, the form they’re in, the emotional state of each one and then making decisions."

As mentioned, Freese has struggled a little bit with NYCFC. Part of the reason lies with the defensive issues of the backline, and there have been some goals allowed that most keepers would not be able to save. Some mistakes are due to the defenders in front of Freese. However, that stat is not measurable. Yet, he is still one of the better goalkeepers in Major League Soccer.

That might be why Pochettino has not settled on a starter, especially with Turner's rise in form. He also has the experience, for he started for the USMNT in the last World Cup.

Yet, Freese has started 13 of the last 14 matches for the national team. Unless the difference between the two players is drastic, which, as of now, it is not, then the manager should keep the NYCFC player as the starter. Making changes right before the biggest tournament in the world would be bonkers. The Stars and Stripes need consistency.

Moreover, Freese is only as good as those in front of him. Even with the USMNT, some of the goals he has given up were due to poor play and defending in front of him. And, as fans know, the national team does not look like a team, despite the talent on the roster, that can compete and go far. Going to Turner at this point would be pointless.

Alas, it would not be shocking for this change to occur, for the manager might be too focused on the statistics that say Freese should not start because Turner is having a stronger club season. After all, Pochettino has made some interesting decisions in the past. He has also not been the manager the USMNT needs, but that is a story for another day.

So, Freese needs to forget what is going on with NYCFC and focus on being his best self again. His ability to start at the World Cup with the USMNT is hanging by a thread.

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