Tim Howard Backs USMNT to Beat Australia 3-1 After 4-1 Paraguay Rout

Q: Is betting on an MLS-based goalkeeper a masterstroke or a major gamble for the USMNT's World Cup hopes?

It is more a calculated gamble than a masterstroke, even if Matt Freese’s rise gives the U.S. a credible answer in goal. The case for Freese is real. Tim Howard now calls him the clear No. 1, and Freese has backed that up with steady national-team minutes, 16 caps by mid-June, strong MLS form with New York City FC, and a reputation for composure and preparation. He was NYCFC’s 2024 MVP, ranked near the top of MLS in saves and save percentage, and delivered in pressure moments such as the 2025 Gold Cup shootout against Costa Rica. For a U.S. team that just beat Paraguay 4-1 and looks increasingly settled under Mauricio Pochettino, that stability matters. But the risk is obvious. Freese is still an MLS-based goalkeeper in a role where the U.S. traditionally leaned on veterans hardened in top European leagues, from Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel to Howard himself. Expert skepticism remains strong: Keller and Friedel have both questioned whether the current pool matches that historical standard, and broader data suggests the U.S. has prevented fewer goals this cycle than in 2022. Freese also lacks deep experience against elite club-level attackers week after week. So the bet is defensible, not reckless. Regular starts in MLS are more valuable than sitting on a European bench, and Freese appears to be the best in-form option available. But until he proves it in knockout-level World Cup pressure, this remains a significant wager on form and fit over pedigree.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 18

Tim Howard said the United States should beat Australia 3-1 or 3-0, arguing the USMNT will "play the Australians off the park" if it matches their physicality.
The prediction follows the Americans' 4-1 win over Paraguay, a performance Howard said was encouraging because the U.S. still looked capable of scoring even more.
Howard pointed to Folarin Balogun's two goals, Christian Pulisic's attacking influence and a solid defensive display, adding that substitutes also strengthened the case for a deep squad.
In goal, Howard said the competition is effectively over, calling Matt Freese the clear U.S. No. 1 ahead of veteran Matt Turner.
Off the field, Howard said the record 24.9 million audience for the Paraguay match shows growing momentum that fans can turn into a real home-field edge at the 2026 World Cup.