Matthew Freese Playing Today? USA vs Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup By Jeronimo Santos
3 min read
 |
Goalkeeper Matthew Freese should be in the starting lineup for the United States team in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this Friday (12), against Paraguay, at SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, Los Angeles region. The clash opens Group D for the hosts, who still face Australia and Türkiye.
At 27 years old, Freese is at the height of an atypical career: he graduated from Harvard, spent time at the Philadelphia Union academy and is now a key player at New York City FC in the MLS. Called up for the World Cup at home, he arrives with morale after decisive performances, including penalty saves that helped the USA in the 2025 Gold Cup.
Freese’s journey to the World Cup
Born in Wayne, Pennsylvania, the 1.98m tall goalkeeper has recent experience in the MLS, with a good number of saves and clean sheets for NYCFC in the 2026 season. In the USMNT, he has made around 15 appearances, highlighting the consistency that put him on Mauricio Pochettino’s radar.
Freese is not the only American name with college roots on the roster, but his story from Harvard to the professional fields symbolizes the evolution of football in the United States. He himself has already declared that competing in the World Cup on American soil represents the realization of a childhood dream.
Paraguay presents defensive challenge
On the other hand, Paraguay returns to the World Cup after a 16-year absence and arrives with one of the most solid defenses in the South American qualifiers. Under Gustavo Alfaro, Albirroja has experienced names like Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete, as well as quick transitions that require constant attention from the American goalkeeper.
The duel between the Paraguayan attack, led by players like Miguel Almirón, and the defense led by Freese will be one of the highlights of the match. Dutch referee Danny Makkelie referees the game.
High expectations at SoFi Stadium
Playing at home, with the support of the fans at the modern SoFi Stadium, represents extra motivation for Freese and the entire team. The USA are looking to start with a victory to gain confidence in the group and avoid surprises against a South American team known for physical and organized play.
Recent history shows balance: in 2025, the Americans beat Paraguay 2-1 in a friendly. Now, in the World Cup, the weight is greater, especially for the goalkeeper who can be decisive from the first minute.
What Freese represents to the team
With Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun on the field, the team has quality in attack and midfield. Freese, in turn, needs to keep the goal clean or limit the damage against a Paraguay that, despite its defensive tradition, has difficulties in offensive conversion. A good debut from him could give the host team peace of mind.
The match is scheduled for 10pm (Brasília time). SoFi Stadium is expected to register a large audience for the opening of the American campaign in the tournament.
