USMNT GK Matt Freese: Error will motivate me, backs Pochettino to stay

By Zac Wassink

United States men's national team goalkeeper Matt Freese committed what will likely go down as one of the biggest blunders of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he essentially gifted Belgium a goal in the second half of what became a dominant 4-1 Belgium win over the Americans in the round of 16.

On Tuesday, Freese spoke with Lizzy Becherano of ESPN about what has been said and written about his performance since the United States crashed out of world football's biggest stage.

Matt Freese: Criticism of World Cup Play "Difficult" to Hear

"It's just so difficult for me to hear that because if people were to see this group on a day-to-day basis and spend time with these guys more personally, they would see how badly we wanted it. They would see how bad I wanted it," Freese explained. "Two years ago, dreaming, like literally dreaming of this, and feeling the honor and the responsibility that comes with it. We wanted it so badly, more than anything else we've ever wanted, to capitalize on that and reward that support with something special. During the World Cup and the months leading into the World Cup, there was literally nothing else that crossed my mind."

In the 57th minute of the match on July 6, Freese left his box in an apparent attempt to clear the ball from danger. However, he ultimately failed to make adequate contact with the ball, and Belgium quickly scored to grab a 3-1 lead.

"I think it's a moment that will, as all mistakes and bad moments in sports are, it's a moment that will live with me and be part of me and motivate me and not define my career," Freese said about the error while speaking with Christian Arnold of the New York Post. "[The negatives and positives] will continue to motivate me to work harder, to be better, and to find more of those good moments, and limit, and minimize, and get rid of the bad moments."

Of course, that one moment does not erase the fact that the USMNT were seemingly impacted by the much-discussed red-card controversy involving forward Folarin Balogun, who was permitted to play against Belgium after he was sent off in the previous match. It is now known that President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the Balogun suspension ahead of the Belgium game.

Matt Freese Makes Feelings on Mauricio Pochettino Clear

Meanwhile, the future of USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino is up in the air. He is now out of contract, and he may want to take a break before pursuing a return to club football.

"I would..."