Tim Ream named USMNT's World Cup captain, Pochettino announces

Tim Ream has been named the United States men’s national team’s World Cup captain, Mauricio Pochettino confirmed ahead of the team’s prep schedule. Ream, who has captained 17 of the 24 matches under Pochettino, was viewed as the clear favorite heading into camp and will wear the armband for the tournament. The 38-year-old veteran center back could become the oldest USMNT player at a men’s World Cup, potentially surpassing Fernando Clavijo’s 1994 mark when he faces Paraguay. Pochettino praised Ream’s leadership on and off the field and his experience to guide the group. The announcement followed news of a pre-Cup friendly against Senegal in Charlotte, Ream’s home arena.

During his national-team career, Ream has been a steadying presence amid a leadership rotation. The captain for the World Cup will be shared with Tyler Adams, who led the squad at the 2022 tournament, and with Pulisic, who has worn the armband on occasion. Pochettino said Ream’s appointment reflects a leader who can stabilize the squad under the pressures of a home World Cup. The team opens Group D play June 12 against Paraguay outside Los Angeles, then meets Australia in Seattle on June 19, before wrapping with Turkey in Southern California.