Matt Turner's USMNT return sparks World Cup goalkeeper debate

A forgotten hero makes his comeback—but can Turner reclaim his spot? The U.S. faces a tough choice between experience and consistency.

, and ASMedia

2026 April 19 . 6:07 PM

1 min read

The image shows a young man in a blue goalkeeper's uniform standing on a soccer field, with a... — The image shows a young man in a blue goalkeeper's uniform standing on a soccer field, with a blurred background. He is wearing a blue t-shirt and white gloves, and appears to be in the middle of a match.

Matt Turner's USMNT return sparks World Cup goalkeeper debate

ATLANTA (AP) - Matt Turner was in goal for the United States for Saturday's friendly against Belgium, raising the possibility he has a chance to regain the Americans' starting job from Matt Freese at the World Cup.

Turner, 31, was the U.S. starter at the 2022 World Cup but hadn't played for the national team since a friendly against Switzerland on June 10. Freese, 27, displaced him in goal for the CONCACAF Gold Cup last summer and had made 12 straight starts, including all six friendlies last fall.

Turner's career slowed following a move from Major League Soccer's New England Revolution to Arsenal ahead of the 2022-23 season. He didn't get into a Premier League match and was limited to five Europa League and two FA Cup games with the Gunners. Turner transferred to Nottingham Forest and lost the starting job midway through the 2023-24 season, was loaned to Crystal Palace where he became a seldom-used backup, then returned to the Revolution last August.