Antonio Freeman On Son Alex’s World Cup Experience: ‘I’m His Biggest Supporter’
Alex Freeman made his FIFA World Cup debut in the June 12 match against Paraguay and scored his first FIFA World Cup goal on June 19 versus Australia
IRVINE, Calif. – Having a Hall of Famer in the family has certainly taught U.S. Men’s National Team fullback Alex Freeman some things about how to become an exceptional athlete, but it’s clear from Freeman’s recent performances at FIFA World Cup 2026 that the 21-year-old is forging his own path in the sport of soccer.
One week after making his FIFA World Cup debut in the group stage match against Paraguay, and just over one year from making his international debut with the USMNT as a 20-year-old, Freeman tallied his first goal at a FIFA World Cup, a header in the 43rd minute that sent Seattle Stadium into such a raucous frenzy that the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) registered seismic activity at the venue.
Alex’s father, Antonio Freeman, a Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers, responded enthusiastically and proudly. As someone with his own prolific playing career, which earned him First-Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl and Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame honors, the famous former NFL star knows what it takes to make big plays in big moments — he made a few touchdown catches against the Seattle Seahawks in the same stadium where his son scored his first World Cup goal.
“It was definitely a full circle moment,” Antonio said. “To have a father and son combination in any sport have an impact on a game, in the same state, is pretty amazing. It’s a credit to all the work that Alex has put in and the commitment that he's made. This is his ride, and I'm just happy to be his biggest supporter.”
Alex’s goal in the Australia match is part of a rapid rise for the 21-year-old, a 2025 MLS All-Star with Orlando City SC who signed with Villarreal CF in La Liga earlier this year. His goal, the third of his young international career, also solidified a monumental day for the U.S. The team not only earned a win against a quality opponent, 22nd-ranked Australia, but it also earned a massive three points. Two wins in the group stage was a historic first for the program and an important step toward winning Group D, which the U.S. accomplished Friday night following Paraguay’s win over Türkiye.
Last week, Alex shared the advice his father imparted ahead of the youngster’s shining moment on the world stage. Antonio told his son to stay true to himself because that’s what’s gotten him this far and allowed him to make sizeable leaps in his professional career.
“You continue to amaze me,” Antonio reported telling his son. “Just keep working, Alex, keep being you. People love who you are. Don't change. Just keep working harder.”
Alex following in his father’s footsteps and pursuing American football would not have been a surprise – especially given his six-foot-two frame, impressive athletic ability and natural instincts for finding the ball. The defender reportedly turned down basketball and football to pursue soccer, a decision that is yielding amazing results so far in the USMNT’s current campaign, which continues Thursday, June 25 vs. Türkiye at Los Angeles Stadium.
“Having a FIFA World Cup in the U.S. has really heightened the awareness in the U.S.,” Antonio said. “People from all walks of life are getting involved and rallying behind the team. U.S. Soccer has does a great job of promoting the game and the players. I’m just looking forward to an exciting FIFA [World] Cup.”