LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Former Harvard men's soccer standout goalkeeper, Matt Freese '22, is on his way to the Knockout Round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States Men's National Team after claiming the top spot in Group D during pool play. The Pennsylvania native started two games in net for the American side, claiming two wins over Paraguay (June 12) and Australia (June 19) before resting in the team's final match against Turkey (June 25). Now, Freese and the US squad are set to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday to begin the next stage of the World Cup.
 
Freese's name has already been added to the USMNT World Cup record book after his strong start in the 2026 World Cup. The goalkeeper's two wins are now tied for the most by an American goalkeeper and is just one win away from standing alone atop the record book. Freese also became just the sixth USMNT keeper to record a clean sheet and is currently tied for third on the all-time list, one shy of tying for the most clean sheets by a US goalkeeper.
 
In 180 minutes, Freese has only needed to make three saves but anchored the defensive effort in two dominant showings by the United States squad.
 
The United States has now qualified for the Knockout Round for the fourth time in its last five World Cup Finals appearances and is looking to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since the 2002 World Cup. To advance to the quarterfinal round, the United States would need to win two matches now that the tournament has expanded to 48 teams and the knockout round now includes 32 squads.
 
The United States will take on Bosnia this Wednesday, July 1, at 8:00 PM EST (FOX), to decide who will advance to the Round of 16 next week. The United States has competed against Bosnia three times in its history and has won two matches while drawing the other. The last tilt came in 2021, with the United States claiming a 2-1 victory in an international friendly.
 
For more updates on Matt Freese and the USMNT follow the federation and Harvard Men's Soccer on social media.