With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, GOAL looks at the state of the shot-stoppers vying for a spot next summer
With the Gold Cup complete and the World Cup on the horizon, there are still more questions than answers at the U.S. men's national team's goalkeeper position. Traditionally a position of strength for the USMNT, goalkeeper remains a major talking point at the moment – one that was furthered, but not ended, by an interesting summer run.
At the Gold Cup, USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino surprised many by sticking with one player, Matt Freese, throughout the tournament. Matt Turner, the incumbent, watched from the bench. As a result, the U.S. didn't eliminate contenders from the goalkeeper race but, instead, added them, making it even more complicated as they head into the home stretch of this World Cup cycle.
Currently, there are options, both veteran and inexperienced, in this pool, and all of them will believe they have a chance at making it onto the World Cup roster. Three will be included, but only one will start, and the races are heating up for each of the spots heading into next summer.
Post-Gold Cup, GOAL is looking at the state of the USMNT, analyzing the positional battles that will ultimately define next summer's team. First up: goalkeepers.
Getty Images SportThe Starter: Matt Freese
This, of course, is very much up for debate and could certainly change by the World Cup, if not sooner. At the moment, though, the edge goes to Freese, who proved capable throughout the Gold Cup.
Handed his first start just before the tournament, Freese was generally solid during his run this summer, save for one botched clearance in the group stage. His penalty kick heroics against Costa Rica gave him a signature moment, too, as he stared down the legendary Keylor Navas and never came close to blinking.
Instead, he went the correct way over and over again, making three crucial saves to send the U.S. to the semifinals.
Freese's biggest assets are confidence and minutes, and he'll continue to build on both with New York City FC.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe Backup: Matt Turner
Throughout the summer, the message from USMNT camp centered on how helpful Turner was to Freese. Despite being the only experienced member of the goalkeeping pool, Turner didn't treat his Gold Cup backup status as a demotion. Instead, he treated it as an opportunity to help, going above and beyond to work with Freese.
And while Turner was magnanimous in his backup role this summer, that doesn't mean he's settled on that outcome. He will, of course, be gunning for that starting spot, and he'll need to make a critical club move if he wants to land it.
His proposed transfer to Lyon seems to still be on and, if he does head to the French club, he'll need to play not just consistently, but perform at a high level. He clearly has the talent and attitude, so it may all come down to the right fit at the right club – and the time is now to make that happen.
Getty ImagesIn The Mix: Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen
There's a butterfly effect at play here. If both Schulte and Steffen hadn't been injured, Freese may not have started six straight games at the Gold Cup – and as a result, may not have emerged as the potential starter coming out the tournament. Such is the impact injuries can have, but it's also a reminder of how quickly things can change.
Steffen, thus far, has seemed the most likely contender, having impressed during January camp. Unfortunately, the Colorado Rapids goalkeeper has been unfortunate, with injuries keeping him out of the team at crucial junctures. Steffen has plenty of ability – but as they say, the best ability is availability, and he hasn't been healthy often enough since Pochettino took over.
Schulte, too, was unavailable this summer after sustaining an injury just before camp. He looked poised for a breakthrough after starting against Canada last fall. There's still time for the Columbus Crew shot-stopper, though, as he looks to make his own case.
AFPFor The Future: Chris Brady, Diego Kochen, Gaga Slonina
There are multiple interesting goalkeepers in the pipeline, all of whom have some level of USMNT experience on their resume.
Brady had the most recent engagement, having served as the third goalkeeper at this summer's Gold Cup. Again, that opportunity fell his way due to injuries, but it was certainly worthwhile, as he got to spend a month competing and learning from Freese and Turner – as well as the USMNT's coaching staff. The Chicago Fire star will surely benefit from that experience as he looks to keep building in MLS.
Slonina, a former Fire star, just won the Club World Cup with Chelsea, albeit as the club's third goalkeeper. He'll almost certainly be headed back out on loan this season after an injury cut his time at Barnsley short last season.
And then there's Kochen, the rising Barcelona goalkeeper who could also use a spell away from his megaclub. Just 19, the Miami-born goalkeeper is one to watch as he looks to break through at the senior level.