Matt Turner’s World Cup Hopes in Doubt After USMNT Omission

Matt Turner’s World Cup ambitions face uncertainty as the goalkeeper was left out of Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad for the November 2025 international window, raising new questions about his place in the national team setup. Former USMNT star Stuart Holden voiced significant concerns, warning that Turner’s prolonged absence from competitive football could have serious implications ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Matt Turner’s Absence Raises Alarm for USMNT Fans

Matt Turner, currently on loan at New England Revolution from Olympique Lyon, has not been selected by coach Mauricio Pochettino for the latest USMNT squad. Turner’s continued lack of game time, coupled with his omission, has fueled doubts about his standing within the team. Speaking on the State of the Union podcast, Stuart Holden emphasized the impact of Turner’s limited minutes, stating, “Matt Turner is not only on the outside looking in at a starting position, he’s on the outside looking in at a roster position, which is cause for concern for him.”

Turner, once a regular between the posts for the USMNT, now finds himself without a clear path back into the squad. With the MLS season over and the Revolution failing to reach the playoffs, Turner will be without competitive matches until at least February or March—an unusually long break for a goalkeeper seeking to maintain form.

Challenges Mount as Competition Intensifies

The current USMNT roster features other goalkeepers—Matt Freese (NYCFC), Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena), and Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)—all of whom are receiving regular minutes at club level. Their inclusion underscores the importance of match fitness and consistency, further complicating Turner’s path back into the squad.

Holden also noted recent reports that, in an effort to stay sharp, Turner has been training with Crystal Palace, a former club of his. Despite these efforts, his exclusion from the November squad signals that the coaching staff may favor keepers who are playing consistently over those relying solely on training sessions for fitness.

Turner’s Recent Form and the Numbers

Upon returning to New England Revolution in August 2025, Turner played 10 matches, conceding 16 goals and earning two clean sheets. While these numbers reflect a challenging period for both player and club, they are not necessarily indicative of Turner’s overall quality. Still, in a competitive national team environment, recent form and regular playing time are essential, and Turner’s lack of both is cause for real concern.

Impact on 2026 World Cup Prospects

Matt Turner’s absence from the USMNT is more than just a temporary setback—it may represent a pivotal moment in his international career. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national team places are becoming harder to secure. As Holden points out, unless Turner can secure regular club minutes in early 2026 and start the season strongly, it will be difficult for him to convince Pochettino that he deserves a recall.

For Turner, the challenge is clear: find a club situation that guarantees game time or risk falling further behind in the pecking order. His competitors are making the most of their opportunities, and with the World Cup on home soil, the pressure is only increasing.

What’s Next for Matt Turner?

Looking ahead, Turner’s future with the USMNT may hinge on his ability to secure a regular starting spot at club level. A strong start to the 2026 MLS season or a move to a club where he can play consistently might be his best chance to revitalise his international career. The upcoming months are crucial, and Turner must act decisively to re-establish himself as a top contender for the United States’ number-one jersey.

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Opinion: Turner Must Seize Every Opportunity

Given his talent and past heroics for the national team, it would be premature to count Matt Turner out entirely. However, in international football, form and regular minutes are non-negotiable. Turner needs to make bold choices this winter—whether it’s fighting for a starting role or seeking a transfer—to keep his World Cup dream alive. The USMNT’s depth in goal is growing, and Turner’s response to this setback will define his career trajectory.