Matt Turner explains USMNT ‘trust’ in bid for 2026 World Cup No.1 spot - with Mauricio Pochettino’s stance revealed

Experienced shot-stopper Turner has continued to line up for his country on a regular basis despite enduring a tough time at club level. A move from Arsenal to Nottingham Forest did not play out as planned, with costly errors leading to a tumble down the pecking order being taken.

Little game time was seen during an FA Cup-winning loan spell at Crystal Palace in 2024-25, but a transfer this summer has seen Turner agree a switch to French giants Lyon before returning to familiar surroundings at the New England Revolution in MLS.

The challenge now is to prove his worth to Pochettino ahead of a big summer for the United States in 2026 that will see them become World Cup co-hosts. Turner has told FIFA’s official website of the relationship that he enjoys with his international coach: “The big thing about the gaffer is that he wants his players to be happy. In the perfect sense of the word, he wants every player playing at the highest level possible and they are maximizing their potential.

“He sees people's journey as something that can go up and down and recognizes where people are stuck. He is always there for us and that is a hugely comforting feeling to know that you have a coach that is there through thick and thin.

“I've had some good times since he's been in and some not-so good times and he's always stood by me and showed me his confidence. He believes and trusts in me and that has allowed me to feel like I have the freedom to make decisions that are best for me and my family, while also putting me in a better playing situation so that I can showcase to him the best of what I have to offer on the pitch and off the pitch.

“I love to run things by all the stakeholders but the over-arching thing is playing at a level that you can showcase your talent and ability, and get the feelings of being relied upon as well.”

Turner, who made his USMNT debut in 2021, is up to 52 senior caps for his country. Regular minutes with the Revolution over the course of a loan through to June 2026 should help to have him ready for World Cup duty.