Matt Turner Only Jewish Player on Team USA at 2026 World Cup
Goalkeeper Matt Turner is the sole Jewish player on the US squad for the 2026 World Cup, which begins Friday with the US facing Paraguay. Turner discovered his Jewish heritage through his paternal great-grandmother's Holocaust emigration documents from Lithuania, which also enabled him to obtain a Lithuanian passport. His presence highlights the rarity of Jewish representation in professional soccer at the international level.
Matt Turner, 31, a goalkeeper for the New England Revolution, is the only Jewish player on Team USA for the 2026 World Cup being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Turner discovered his Jewish identity after finding emigration papers from his paternal great-grandmother, who fled Lithuania during the Holocaust. This discovery deepened his connection to his Jewish heritage and allowed him to obtain a Lithuanian passport, facilitating his pursuit of soccer opportunities in Europe. With 53 career appearances for the US national team and a record of 29-16-8, Turner was a standout performer in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, achieving back-to-back shutouts—a first for an American goalkeeper since 1930. Though he is expected to serve as a backup goalkeeper this tournament, Turner expressed his honor at being selected, stating he would likely cry during the national anthem. The article also notes that legendary Argentine broadcaster Andres Cantor, who is Jewish, will call his 12th consecutive World Cup.
What different sources said
- The Jerusalem PostRight
Meet Matt Turner, the only Jewish player on Team USA in 2026 World Cup
- Times of IsraelCenter
Meet Matt Turner, the only Jewish player on Team USA in the World Cup
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