Former USMNT Goalkeeper Tim Howard Reveals His Most 'Special' World Cup Memories: 'One of My Greatest Moments' (Exclusive)

Jordan GreeneThu, June 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM UTC

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Tim Howard during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty -

Tim Howard is partnering with Verizon to give fans unique World Cup experiences, including pitchside "Golden Tickets"

Speaking to PEOPLE, Howard reflects on iconic World Cup moments, including Landon Donovan's 2010 goal and his record 16 saves in 2014

The 2026 World Cup excites Howard as a fan and marks a milestone for soccer's growth in the United States

Tim Howard is taking a trip down memory lane.

While speaking with PEOPLE about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the former U.S. Men's National Team goalkeeper reflected on the moments from his playing career that still stand out more than a decade later.

Named to three U.S. World Cup rosters, Howard first served as a backup goalkeeper during the 2006 tournament in Germany before reaching the pitch in 2010 in South Africa. He returned four years later in Brazil. Looking back, there are two memories from the international soccer clash that immediately come to mind.

"I've been fortunate to have two really big moments," Howard, 47, tells PEOPLE exclusively over Zoom.

Tim Howard during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty

The first came during the Americans' dramatic group-stage match against Algeria in 2010. With the match scoreless, Landon Donovan scored a goal in the 91st minute to give the United States a 1-0 victory and a trip to the knockout round in one of the most iconic moments in American soccer.

"I was on the field for that," says Howard, who recently partnered with Verizon. "I was a part of that and that is iconic."

Then in 2014, Howard created a memorable World Cup moment of his own. During the United States' Round of 16 match against Belgium in the knockout stage, he delivered one of the greatest performances of his career, recording a World Cup-record 16 saves.

"That's special to me, even though we lost, because it's a record and it was one of my greatest moments," he says. "So I hold that game really dear."

Tim Howard during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.Credit: Jamie McDonald/Getty

What makes those memories so enduring, Howard says, is "the pressure" that comes with competing on soccer's biggest stage.

"It's intense," he says, adding, "... And, you know, how you handle that pressure is how you're judged."

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Tim Howard during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty

With the World Cup back on American soil for the first time since 1994, Howard is looking forward to seeing what this tournament brings, specifically, the atmosphere created by supporters from around the world.

"I was a 15-year-old kid, teenager with aspiring dreams of one day making it big in the game in 1994 when the last time that it was in this country," Howard recalls.

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"I often tell people that in 2026, soccer is as great as it's ever been in this country infrastructure-wise, ownership-wise, player standards-wise," he adds. "So this is only gonna grow from here."

That excitement is part of what drew Howard to partner with Verizon, an official partner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Through the partnership, Verizon has given away thousands of tickets to customers, including special "Golden Tickets" that allow fans to watch part of a match from pitchside — a vantage point usually reserved for players and coaches.

"I got to call people, which is cool," he says of the initiative. "I actually spoke to a guy from my hometown [North Brunswick, N.J.] who played soccer and gave him a Golden Ticket, which was really cool."

Having experienced the World Cup as a player, Howard says sharing the opportunity with fans has been especially meaningful.

"It's never lost on me how big the World Cup is, how people just react like children on Christmas, really, when it comes to getting the opportunity to win a golden ticket or to know that they're going to the World Cup," he says.

Tim Howard for VerizonCredit: Verizon

Howard is equally excited for the current generation of U.S. players, who will have the rare opportunity to compete in a World Cup on home soil. While he knows the spotlight will be intense, he believes the occasion presents a unique opportunity to harness the support of an entire nation.

"To play in your home country, to host, that's beyond special," Howard says. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing for them."

"They'll be under massive amounts of pressure and scrutiny, but if they can harness that, that can be a source of motivation and inspiration because literally this nation is going to carry them. They're gonna be behind them every step of the way," he adds.

Tim Howard during 2014 FIFA World Cup.Credit: John Todd/ISI Photos via Getty

Although Howard is years removed from his playing career, he has developed a deeper appreciation for the impact his own journey has had on young athletes.

Today, some of Howard's most meaningful interactions come from fans, who tell him they became goalkeepers because of him or grew up hoping to follow in his footsteps.

"I've had countless people tell me that," Howard says. "It's one of the most satisfying and gratifying things that's come out of my career. People tell me, 'Hey, I wanted to be like you. I had your poster on my wall.'"

"It also means you're getting old," he adds with a laugh. "But it's really fun to sort of hear people give you their stories."

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