USMNT GK Zack Steffen forced to withdraw from national team camp due to knee injury ahead of Gold Cup

Zack Steffen has departed U.S. men's national team camp with a knee injury, U.S. Soccer and the Colorado Rapids announced on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on social media, the MLS side said: "Zack Steffen suffered an injury to his knee at national team camp and has returned to Colorado for further examination."

Steffen is the second goalkeeper this camp to drop out due to injury, following Columbus Crew shotstopper Patrick Schulte. With the Rapids' goalkeeper's departure, that leaves Matt Turner, Matt Freese, and Chris Brady as the three goalkeepers left in camp ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The USMNT are playing in their final major tournament ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Gold Cup this summer, as manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to finalize his roster ahead of the competition next year that will be hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the USA.

Without Steffen available, it's expected that Turner will be the starting goalkeeper for the tournament, with Freese and Brady contending for the starting spot. Turner, who won an FA Cup with Crystal Palace this past season, only made four total appearances across all competitions for the Eagles this past season. This summer, it's expected he will move, and the 30-year-old has even hinted that he's open to a return to MLS.

The USMNT last won the Gold Cup in 2021, and are looking to return to the top of the North American throne this summer.

The U.S. take on Turkey in an international friendly on Saturday as part of their preparation for the Gold Cup. Steffen, meanwhile, is set to be evaluated upon returning to Colorado.