'I'm still not convinced' - Alexi Lalas praises Matt Freese but doubts he’ll remain USMNT starting goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 World Cup

U.S. icon Alexi Lalas says Matt Freese is the USMNT’s current No. 1, though he admits that “says a lot about their goalkeeping situation.” The Fox Sports analyst credited Freese for moving beyond his penalty-saving reputation while ranking him second among winners of the September international break.

"Timing is everything. He was there this summer, made a big splash in terms of saving the penalties, went to the final," Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “I thought he should have done better on one of the goals, certainly against South Korea. He got his shut-out [against Japan], made some good saves, and I think established himself as more than just a guy who saves penalties, which I think he kind of needed to do."

However, Lalas emphasized the importance of timing in Freese's ascension, noting that the New York City FC goalkeeper benefited from the absence of key competitors during recent training camps.

"He's there, it's open, there's a competition. Matt Turner, who for a long time was the incumbent, wasn't even in this camp," Lalas explained. "So I'm going to put Matt Freese at No. 2, and the only reason I wouldn't put him at No. 1 is that I'm still not convinced, as you may be, that Matt Freese is going to be the starting goalkeeper come next summer.”

The USMNT goalkeeper situation represents one of the most uncertain position battles heading into next summer's World Cup. Traditionally, a position of strength for American soccer, the current lack of a clearly established international-caliber goalkeeper reflects broader developmental concerns within the program. 

The goalkeeper competition will intensify in upcoming camps as Pochettino evaluates all available options ahead of competitive fixtures. The USMNT will regroup next in October for the international break where they will face Ecuador and Australia.