Matt Turner doesn’t view himself as the unquestioned first-choice goalkeeper for the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT). Instead, he approaches each training camp ready to prove himself.

With the Gold Cup starting on June 14 and the World Cup around a year away, Turner reflects on the hierarchy among the USMNT goalkeepers and what it means for his future.

“That’s a fully loaded question for me,” Turner responded to reporters. “I don’t consider myself the ‘No. 1 No. 1’ consistently. My outlook heading into each camp is that I must earn my place through hard work and performance during training and the last season with Crystal Palace.”

Turner, age 30, was the starter at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but faced challenges in recent Conacaf Nations League Finals, with the U.S. falling to both Panama and Canada.

He acknowledged the need to secure more game time with his club, following limited appearances for Crystal Palace, who recently won the FA Cup. Meanwhile, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of consistent play leading up to the 2026 World Cup, agreeing that the starting position remains open for competition.

Turner has a summer’s worth of games ahead to show his capabilities, with an invitation to two friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland. He values his experience during the last Gold Cup, where the U.S. triumphed over Mexico, as a catalyst for his selection heading into the next World Cup.

He reminisced, “The Gold Cup essentially paved the way for my transfer to Arsenal, helping me push forward in Europe. Since then, I’ve undergone considerable changes in my personal and professional life.”

As Turner weighs his next steps, the summer holds possibilities for new opportunities, yet he remains focused on impressing within the USMNT as they prepare for upcoming matches.