Tim Howard’s Prediction for USMNT Goalkeeper
When questioned about who might start as goalkeeper for the U.S. men’s national team during the upcoming World Cup, Tim Howard, a celebrated figure in American soccer, responded confidently. Howard, who played for the U.S. in three World Cups between 2006 and 2014, shared his thoughts during a recent Q&A session at the new MLS venue in Madison Square Garden, NYC. He suggested that Matt Freeze, the goalkeeper for New York City FC, would likely be chosen by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino over the summer.
While Howard expressed his appreciation for Matt Turner, who was the starter in 2022, he emphasized that it is “already obvious” that Freeze is the one to watch.
Freeze gained national recognition last year by starting every match for the U.S. at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, even securing two clean sheets. Yet, he wasn’t called up to the senior national team until 2025.
Howard characterized Freeze as a “late bloomer,” noting that the 27-year-old seems to remain composed during critical situations. Still, he pointed out that many past U.S. World Cup goalkeepers enjoyed “bright moments” leading into such a major event.
“All of our goalkeepers have historically performed well in friendlies, Gold Cups, and Copa America when the team needed them most,” Howard stated. “They’ve shown they can rise to the occasion. But Matt hasn’t had that long to establish himself with the national team—just over a year now. If he wants to shine, the World Cup is going to be his stage.”
Freeze’s time with the national team has been brief but impactful. Notably, at the Gold Cup quarterfinals last summer against Costa Rica, he made headlines by stopping three penalty kicks, helping the U.S. team advance.
Additionally, Freeze has been part of the NYCFC squad that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2025 MLS Playoffs and enters Sunday’s match on a high note, having just won 3-0 against Columbus, without conceding a goal.
U.S. Soccer is set to unveil its 2026 World Cup roster on May 26 during a special event in Lower Manhattan.
