Friedel backs Freese to emerge as a world star at World Cup 2026 on home soil

Brad Friedel has backed Matt Freese to use the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the launchpad for a world-class career, describing the New York City FC goalkeeper as calm, poised and technically equipped to handle the pressure of a home tournament.

Freese, 27, is set to become the first MLS goalkeeper to start for the United States at a major international tournament, with fellow shot-stoppers Matt Turner and Chris Brady — both also playing in MLS — named in the squad alongside him. Friedel, who gave Freese his debut with the US under-19 side, says the lack of a major tournament on his résumé is the only real question mark.

“I gave Matt Freese his start with the US under-19 national team,” Friedel said. “He’s a really good athlete, a really good kid and is someone who’s calm and poised. This is his first foray into a major tournament — he never went through any Under-20 World Cups or Under-17 World Cups. Technically, he’ll be very good. If he makes a mistake, that’s the unknown — that’s the unknown with all goalkeepers.”

Friedel drew parallels with his own generation, noting that every great US goalkeeper had to start somewhere. “All of us, whether it was Tony Meola, myself, Kasey Keller, or Tim Howard — we all started at a tournament, we all had our first one. So maybe this is the tournament that really makes Matt Freese a world star.”

The former Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham stopper also addressed the notable fact that none of the three goalkeepers ply their trade in Europe’s top-five leagues, arguing it need not be a disadvantage at this particular moment. “The thing is, in MLS you don’t have the pressure that you have at the European and South American clubs. But this isn’t so much about pressure. This is probably a moment when it’s good not to have that pressure on you, especially if it’s your first foray into the tournament like it is for Freese.”

Friedel reserved particular praise for Brady, 22, who has already accumulated more than 100 professional appearances. “Chris Brady probably has the best potential future of everyone — just 22 years of age and has played over 100 first-team professional games,” he said, suggesting the Chicago Fire goalkeeper represents the long-term future of the position.

The United States have been drawn in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. Friedel urged caution about expectations for the co-hosts, singling out their South American opponents as a genuine threat. “I’m really worried about Paraguay,” he said. “Any team that qualifies from South America is good — to qualify out of South America is a battle, it’s a war.”