The U.S. World Cup teams biggest lineup debate has Mass. ties at its core

World Cup

The United States has a history of elite World Cup goalkeeping. Now, two keepers with local ties are battling for the No. 1 spot.

By Hayden Bird

June 6, 2026 | 12:00 PM

3 minutes to read

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“I know Matt Turner very well. He's a solid goalkeeper. I think the way they want to play and build a little bit more [out of the back] that Freese is a better option in that regard,†Arena admitted in the discussion. It was actually Bob Bradley and not Arena who spoke about how Turner's superior shot-stopping should be a more considered quality when picking a starter.

Turner has proven more effective than Freese in several advanced stats, including “goals prevented.â€Â 

Still, Freese — a former Harvard standout — has enjoyed the confidence of current U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino for the last year, and is seen as both technically sound and a capable keeper should the game be decided on penalty kicks.

The most interesting (if unlikely) scenario that Arena projected was an almost unheard of concept at a World Cup: Goalkeeper rotation.

“I would not be surprised if there's an opportunity where they rotate goalkeepers in this World Cup as well even though that would be highly unusual,†Arena explained.

The final U.S. warmup game before the World Cup begins comes against Germany on June 6. As Turner played in the previous friendly against Senegal, it's expected that Freese will get the start (perhaps signalling his place in the starting lineup when meaningful games begin).

However it plays out, a goalkeeper with local ties will be starting for the U.S. in its second home World Cup. That is, unless Pochettino picks third choice keeper Chris Brady (and with the mystery surrounding the current depth chart, anything's possible).

Trivia

What U.S. men's player has the greatest number of career World Cup goals?

Hint: He helped defeat the Revolution in MLS Cup 2014 as a member of the L.A. Galaxy.

Keep reading for the answer.

One more thing…

United States goalkeepers have been known to set records at World Cups. In 2002, Brad Friedel became the first keeper in the tournament's history to save multiple penalty kicks in regular play. And in 2014, Tim Howard made a record 16 saves during the U.S. Round of 16 matchup against Belgium.

Trivia answer: Landon Donovan