Tim Ream named USMNT captain for World Cup: 'The leader that we want'
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The U.S. men's national team has chosen their captain for the 2026 World Cup.
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino announced at a May 30 news conference that Tim Ream, a 38-year-old defender who plays for MLS' Charlotte FC, will wear the captain's armband during the World Cup.
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"I am so grateful that he is with us," Pochettino told reporters. "He is a great captain not only on the field, but more importantly off the field. He has the experience and capacity to be the leader that we want."
Pochettino praised Ream for being a "positive leader" and expressed optimism about how the 38-year-old would handle the role for the World Cup.
Ream was then offered a chance to speak and thanked Pochettino for entrusting him with the role.
"This is more than a dream come true," Ream said. "I've done everything possible to be a part of this group, to help this group along. I'm just really grateful to be sitting here, to have this honor. And at the same time, it's not going to change what I do or who I am and how I help the group."
Ream made his international debut for the USMNT in 2010, starting a game against South Africa in the Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup. He has appeared in 80 games for the USMNT since and played every minute of the squad's four matches at the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
Ream has logged just one career international goal, which came against Puerto Rico in 2016. He has posted four assists across his international appearances to date.
Ream has served as the USMNT's captain 26 times, which ranks eighth all-time in the squad's history, and is looking forward to assuming the mantle again during the 2026 World Cup.
"It's the highest honor for me with this group and for the World Cup," Ream said. "I'm not going to take that for granted."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mauricio Pochettino names Tim Ream USMNT captain for World Cup 2026