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Alex Freeman Starts US 2026 Opener vs Paraguay

6/13/2026

30 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Alex Freeman will start for the U.S. in its 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on June 12.
The 21-year-old broke out with Orlando City in early 2025, debuted for the USMNT in June 2025 and played in 16 of 17 games.
After moving to Villarreal in January, Freeman started three of six La Liga matches, prompting teammate Christian Pulisic to call him “a beast” for his calmness and passing.

History

Historical Context

In July 1988 FIFA awarded the United States the 1994 World Cup, a tournament that set a record attendance of 3,587,538 and spurred the creation of Major League Soccer in 1993, which began play in 1996. The resulting infrastructure and academy investment produced players such as Alex Freeman, who debuted for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup opener, praised by veteran Christian Pulisic.

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Story summary

Alex Freeman will start for the U.S. in its 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on June 12.
The 21-year-old broke out with Orlando City in early 2025, debuted for the USMNT in June 2025 and played in 16 of 17 games.
After moving to Villarreal in January, Freeman started three of six La Liga matches, prompting teammate Christian Pulisic to call him “a beast” for his calmness and passing.

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