A devastating five-goal collapse against Belgium has ignited a fierce debate over the starting role for the 2026 World Cup
Following USMNT’s jarring 5-2 friendly defeat to Belgium on Saturday, FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas demanded a definitive change between the posts ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Lalas argued that Matt Turner’s performance in Atlanta, his first international start in nine months, should disqualify him from the starting conversation.
For Lalas, the benefit of the doubt that usually accompanies a 53-cap veteran has evaporated, leaving New York City FC’s Matt Freese as the only logical incumbent for the tournament.
“Some day may start today for certain people, but I don’t think it starts today when it comes to Matt Turner,” Lalas said on State of the Union.
“You are going to be associated with shipping five goals. You, unfortunately, Matt Turner, don’t get the benefit of the doubt because I do think that Freese is the incumbent.
“I think we would all agree that this position has been such a position of quality and talent over the years – we’re going into the second World Cup in a row, from a men’s perspective, where there are questions about our goalkeeping, and that’s not something we’ve had to worry about in the past.”
The statistical contrast between the two contenders has become the central point of contention for the U.S. coaching staff as they finalise their roster.
Turner’s return to the starting XI against Belgium was his first since a 4-0 loss to Switzerland in June 2025, meaning he has now surrendered nine goals in his last two international appearances.
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In the year-long gap between those starts, Freese stabilised the position by starting 12 consecutive matches, including the entirety of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
During that run, the 27-year-old Freese averaged only one goal allowed per match, establishing a level of consistency that Turner has struggled to replicate with his club team, the New England Revolution.
Mauricio Pochettino defends Matt Turner decision
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his decision to start Turner against Belgium as a necessary reality check and a test of squad depth during a high-pressure window.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Pochettino emphasised that the decision was based on the need to evaluate Turner’s readiness in the event of a primary injury.
“Matt Freese was playing a lot in the last year with us and I think we thought that it was necessary to provide the opportunity to another keeper,” Pochettino said. “For the World Cup, circumstances can happen.”
While Matt Freese has played extensively over the last year, the coaching staff felt it was necessary to provide an opportunity to another keeper to ensure the World Cup squad is prepared for any circumstance.
However, the manager also acknowledged that the 5-2 scoreline was difficult to accept and that the team must raise its collective game significantly before facing Portugal on Tuesday.
Over his last 12 appearances for the national team dating back to late 2023, Turner has allowed a total of 23 goals. Despite these recent form struggles, he remains the only goalkeeper on the current roster with 2022 World Cup experience, having started all four matches in Qatar.
