Matt Turner Explains USMNT ‘Trust’ in Bid for 2026 World Cup No.1 Spot – With Mauricio Pochettino’s Stance Revealed

From Arsenal to New England: A Rollercoaster Journey

In football, the path to success is rarely a straight line. Few players embody that reality quite like Matt Turner, who has gone from being an undrafted MLS rookie to carrying the hopes of a nation between the posts. Now, as the 2026 World Cup looms ever closer on home soil, the goalkeeper insists that he still sees himself as the leading contender to be the United States’ No.1.

Turner’s journey over the past three years has been anything but smooth. After leaving Arsenal in search of game time, a move to Nottingham Forest turned sour. Costly errors undermined his confidence and his status, ultimately leading to his drop down the pecking order. A loan at Crystal Palace brought silverware in the form of an FA Cup medal, but little in the way of consistent minutes.

Now, after a short spell in France with Lyon, he’s back in more familiar surroundings — the New England Revolution — where he once made his name. For Turner, the next chapter isn’t just about club redemption. It’s about showing that when the world arrives in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, he can still be trusted to stand tall in goal for the USMNT.

What Happened?

Matt Turner USMNT vs Panama

Despite his struggles at club level, Turner has remarkably managed to keep hold of his starting spot for the national team. Since making his debut in 2021, he’s racked up 52 senior caps. That consistency hasn’t been down to luck, though. It’s been built on faith — specifically, the faith shown in him by USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Speaking to FIFA’s official website, Turner opened up about the special relationship he shares with his international boss. For him, trust has been the foundation of his resilience.

“The big thing about the gaffer,” Turner explained, “is that he wants his players to be happy. He wants every player playing at the highest level possible, maximizing their potential. He sees people’s journey as something that can go up and down and recognizes where people are stuck. He is always there for us, and that’s a hugely comforting feeling.”

Mauricio Pochettino’s Stance on Trust

Trust. It’s a word Turner repeats often when describing Pochettino’s leadership. The Argentine manager, who has built a reputation across his career for developing players and nurturing talent, has become a stabilizing figure for Turner at a time when his club career felt uncertain.

“I’ve had some good times since he’s been in and some not-so-good times,” Turner admitted. “And he’s always stood by me. He believes and trusts in me, and that has allowed me to feel like I have the freedom to make decisions that are best for me and my family, while also putting me in a better playing situation.”

For a goalkeeper, confidence is everything. Mistakes are magnified, and self-belief can crumble with one misjudged cross or one mistimed save. Having a coach who not only forgives but supports through those dips has given Turner the mental space to rebuild and focus on the bigger picture: being ready for the World Cup.

The Bigger Picture: 2026 on Home Soil

The countdown to 2026 feels personal for Turner. For the first time in a generation, the United States will host a World Cup, sharing the stage with Canada and Mexico. For American players, the chance to play on home soil is a once-in-a-lifetime dream. For Turner, it’s also an opportunity to cement his legacy.

At 32 years old by the time the tournament kicks off, Turner will be at an age where goalkeepers are often considered at their peak — experienced but still physically sharp. His leadership, international experience, and familiarity with the team’s defensive unit could prove invaluable.

The USMNT aren’t short of goalkeeping talent. Players like Ethan Horvath and Gabriel Slonina are waiting in the wings, while MLS continues to produce reliable stoppers. But Turner’s argument is simple: he’s already been tested on the biggest stage, and he has the unwavering trust of the man in charge.

Did You Know?

Turner’s path to the top was anything but conventional. He didn’t receive a major scholarship to a powerhouse college program, and he wasn’t even drafted into MLS initially. He clawed his way into the professional game through determination and sheer willpower.

That underdog mentality still fuels him today. It’s part of the reason he’s been able to handle setbacks — from errors at Forest to losing his place in France — without giving up. In fact, Turner himself has admitted that the setbacks have shaped him into a more rounded player, one better equipped for the pressures of international football.

What Turner Said: On Family and Freedom

Matt Turner USMNT GFX

Beyond tactics and training, Turner stressed that Pochettino’s trust has allowed him to prioritize what matters most: family and balance. “I love to run things by all the stakeholders,” he said, “but the over-arching thing is playing at a level where you can showcase your talent and ability, and get the feeling of being relied upon.”

It’s clear that Turner values not only playing time but the environment he plays in. That’s why returning to MLS, to the Revolution, makes sense. In familiar territory, with guaranteed minutes, he can focus on building form and fitness ahead of the biggest summer of his career.

The Road Ahead for the USMNT

The United States are in an intriguing place as they prepare for 2026. A golden generation led by the likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna has raised expectations. But the goalkeeper position remains a cornerstone, and Turner is determined to prove he can still be the safest pair of hands in the squad.

With regular minutes lined up in MLS until June 2026, Turner has the perfect platform to showcase his reliability. More importantly, he has the confidence of a coach who sees beyond the mistakes and focuses on the bigger journey.

Final Thoughts

When the world descends on North America in 2026, the United States will not only be hosts — they’ll be under immense pressure to perform. And in those moments, when the stakes are highest, trust is everything.

Matt Turner’s trust in Mauricio Pochettino, and Pochettino’s trust in him, could be the very foundation upon which the USMNT build their campaign.

Turner knows the road has been rocky, and that younger challengers are ready to step in. But for now, the story is simple: he remains the man in possession of the gloves, the man his coach believes in, and the man who could walk into a World Cup on home soil as America’s No.1.

And in his own words, that trust is what gives him the freedom to keep fighting, keep improving, and keep dreaming.