Overview
- Reports say Freeman is likely to start the U.S. men’s national team opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, giving the 21-year-old his first World Cup start.
- Freeman broke into the USMNT after a 2025 debut and then played in most of the team’s matches, a run that built coach trust in his defensive consistency.
- He moved from Orlando City to Villarreal in January and began earning starts late in his first half-season in La Liga, showing he can adapt to tougher club competition.
- Freeman is being used as the right-sided central defender in a three-back system behind wingback Sergiño Dest, and teammate Christian Pulisic has publicly praised his physical presence and ball progressions.
- With his family on site and strong preseason form, a World Cup start would raise his profile at home and could cement his role both for the national team and as a starter at Villarreal.