Matt Freese ’22, a former Harvard men's soccer goalkeeper, leads the US Men's National Team (USMNT) to the Knockout Stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing first in Group D. Freese secured two wins in net against Paraguay and Australia, contributing significantly to the team's success. The USMNT now faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, aiming to advance further in the tournament. Freese's achievements include tying the record for the most wins by an American goalkeeper and securing his place among the top US keepers for clean sheets.

By the Numbers
  • Freese achieved two wins, tying for the most by a USMNT goalkeeper in World Cup history.
  • He is currently tied for third on the all-time list for clean sheets, needing one more to break into the top two.
State of Play
  • The USMNT has qualified for the Knockout Round in four out of its last five World Cup appearances.
  • The team looks to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
What's Next

The USMNT will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 at 8:00 PM EST, aiming to secure a spot in the Round of 16.

Bottom Line

Matt Freese's strong performance and leadership in goal have elevated the USMNT's chances for deep advancement in the 2026 World Cup, setting new records and raising expectations for the upcoming knockout matches.