Matt Freese is one of the more unusual stories in the United States squad at the 2026 World Cup. The New York City FC goalkeeper is part of Mauricio Pochettino’s group as the USMNT prepare to face Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.
Freese’s route to this point has not followed the standard academy path. He once had the chance to join Manchester United, but instead chose Harvard, where he studied economics and played college football.
That decision is now part of the story around a goalkeeper who has moved from Philadelphia Union to New York City FC and into the World Cup picture with the United States.
Matt Freese chose Harvard after Manchester United opportunity
Freese’s background has attracted attention because of the contrast between two very different routes. He reportedly had the chance to join Manchester United before deciding to continue his education at Harvard.
At Harvard, Freese studied economics and played for the Crimson before turning professional with Philadelphia Union in 2018.
The decision placed him on a less conventional route into the professional game. It also gave him a profile that stands apart from many of the goalkeepers involved at the World Cup.
Freese has built his case with New York City FC
Freese is now a New York City FC goalkeeper and has been selected for the United States roster for the 2026 World Cup.
His club form has helped keep him in the national team conversation. Freese has been credited with 15 starts and 1,350 minutes in 2026.
That workload gives the USMNT a goalkeeper who has been playing regularly before the tournament. For a goalkeeper, rhythm and recent minutes remain important details.
Freese also featured in the United States’ final preparation period. He played 90 minutes against Germany on June 6, making three saves in a 2-1 defeat.
Freese enters the World Cup after years of waiting
Freese has spoken about the uncertainty that comes with trying to earn a major international opportunity.
He said: “I dream of this opportunity, you work for the opportunity, but you never know if it will come.”
That line reflects the longer path he has taken. Freese moved from Harvard into the professional game, then from Philadelphia Union to New York City FC, before reaching the World Cup squad.
The USMNT face Paraguay on June 12, giving Pochettino an early tournament test and placing every squad decision under sharper focus.
Freese is now more than an unusual backstory
The Harvard and Manchester United detail explains why Freese has become a point of interest before the tournament. It is a rare football story, especially for a World Cup goalkeeper.
But his place in the United States squad is also tied to his current work. He has played regularly at club level, appeared in the build-up against Germany, and arrived at the tournament as part of Pochettino’s goalkeeping group.
Freese’s journey is notable because it combines education, a major European opportunity, MLS experience, and a World Cup call-up. That combination makes him one of the more distinctive players in the USMNT squad.
His next step is simpler than the story behind him. Freese now has to show, when called upon, that the long route to this point has prepared him for the stage in front of him.
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