In 2022, Matt Turner, the US international goalkeeper made a significant move to Arsenal in the Premier League, marking a new beginning in his career in the English topflight. After a single season, he moved to Nottingham Forest in the summer, failing to secure his place under Mikel Arteta.
Since switching clubs in August 2023, Turner’s performance in the Premier League has been questionable, attracting criticism from fans. However, the goalkeeper’s recent bold statement regarding the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 has sparked witty reactions from netizens.
Nottingham’s GK Matt Turner claims USA can win 2026 World Cup
Matt Turner, the first-choice goalkeeper for the US, has faced scrutiny during his current club campaign, conceding 29 goals in 19 appearances across all competitions.
Despite being under a long-term contract, his starting position is now in question due to the immediate impact of new arrival Matz Sels, who has quickly taken over the starting spot.
Amid club challenges, he remains confident in his ambitions with the national team for major upcoming tournaments, particularly the World Cup 2026. In a recent interview with ESPN UK at Nottingham Forest, when asked about the US team’s necessary achievement in the tournament to make a significant impact, the 29-year-old shared his views on Monday.
Tuner said, “The final, I feel like people and then if we make the final, it’s winning it you know I think, the fans, we have a really strong team, we have strong players, and you know tournaments aren’t always perfect, but I think fans have a level of expectation.”
“When the World Cup is here (US) in 2026, we have a young team that won’t be so young the next time around with World Cup experience under our belts, we are looking forward to that for sure, but we still have two tournaments to go before getting to that point, s few trophies up for grabs that we want to lift for our home fans,” his added.
Soccer fans laugh at Matt Turner’s ambitious 2026 World Cup claim
Matt Turner previously represented his country at the highest level of the sport in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He will be in goal for the US in the upcoming Copa America 2024 this summer and the Nations League. Ultimately, his goal is to compete in the World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in his home country.
However, his recent claim that he aims to lift the world title if they reach the finals has sparked discussions among fans on social media. They have been sharing their thoughts on his ambitious statement, with some taking a subtle jab at the goalkeeper’s goals.
A user wrote, “Now I see why Nottingham is looking for another keeper,” referencing his club’s performance in light of his ambitious claims about the World Cup during an interview.
Another user added, “That’s an incomplete sentence it should continue like this “Not even in their f..king dreams” stating it’s impossible for them to even dream.
“Not with Turner in goal…that near post is wide-open,” another user commented, criticizing his performance in goal.
One netizen said, “Let’s be honest, They cannot..Argentina is winning the World Cup” expressing skepticism about their chances and favoring Lionel Messi’s Argentina instead.
“Is good to dream, but after dreaming, you face reality.” wrote another fan, highlighting the importance of being realistic despite dreaming big.
What are your thoughts on Matt Turner’s comments on his WC aspirations?
