As the U.S. men's national team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Alexi Lalas has raised concerns about goalkeeper Matt Turner's performance in the team’s 5-2 loss to Belgium in a recent friendly. Lalas believes the defeat, combined with Turner's struggles in recent games, might cost him the chance to compete for the starting goalkeeper position. Despite the coach's intent to evaluate all players ahead of the World Cup, Lalas feels that Matt Freese, who has been performing solidly for the U.S., remains the more reliable choice.
Matt Turner's Struggles Raise Concerns Ahead of World Cup
Saturday's match against Belgium marked Turner’s first start for the U.S. since June of the previous year. In that match, he gave up four goals in a 4-0 loss to Switzerland, prompting concerns about his form. Although Turner had been the starting goalkeeper for the 2022 World Cup, his recent struggles have been evident. After the Belgium game, he has allowed 23 goals in his last 12 appearances for the national team, raising questions about his readiness for the 2026 World Cup.
In contrast, Matt Freese, who took over as the U.S. goalkeeper after Turner’s struggles, has been in solid form. The New York City FC goalkeeper has started the last 12 matches for the U.S., including a strong performance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he helped the team reach the final. Freese has averaged a goal per game during his tenure and has kept three clean sheets, which makes him the favorite to start in the next match against Portugal.
Mauricio Pochettino's Desire to Evaluate All Goalkeepers
Despite the criticism surrounding Turner’s recent performances, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of evaluating every player, including Turner, in preparation for the World Cup. Pochettino explained that the friendly against Belgium was an opportunity to see Turner play after a long period of absence from the starting lineup. The coach highlighted that a number of factors, including injuries or unexpected circumstances, could alter the team’s plans in the lead-up to the World Cup, which is why assessing all players is crucial.
Turner, who plays for the New England Revolution, has also had a tough start to the 2026 season, allowing nine goals in the first four matches. However, Turner remains confident, stating that he will continue to give his best in training and matches to earn his place. He expressed his belief that the coaching staff is fair and will give opportunities to those who prove themselves. Despite his optimism, Lalas maintains that Turner's poor performances should result in a bench role for the upcoming game against Portugal.
Lalas' Verdict: Freese Should Start in Next Match
Alexi Lalas is adamant that Matt Freese should be the one starting for the U.S. in the next friendly match against Portugal. While Lalas acknowledged Turner’s past successes, he argued that Turner’s recent form has not done enough to convince anyone that he deserves the starting role again. According to Lalas, Freese’s consistency over the past 13 games makes him the more reliable choice. He emphasized that the next few months will be critical for all players, but for now, the position is Freese's to lose.
