USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino announced Saturday that veteran defender Tim Ream, 38, will captain the United States for its 2026 FIFA World Cup run. In a joint press conference, Pochettino praised Ream’s leadership on and off the field, after which Ream ca
The captain’s armband won’t go to the player who’s often carried it in spirit.
At a joint press conference on Saturday. USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino officially revealed that veteran defender Tim Ream. 38. will captain the United States for its 2026 FIFA World Cup run. Christian Pulisic had worn the “Captain America” moniker for years. but he will not be the team’s captain for the tournament.
Pochettino made his case for Ream with a particular emphasis on leadership beyond matchdays. “I am so grateful that he is with us because [he] was a great captain. not only on the field. even though that’s maybe more important. [but also] off the field. ” Pochettino said. He added that Ream offers the kind of experience and temperament the team wants as it heads into the World Cup. “I think he has the experience — he has the capacity — to be the leader that we want. The positive leader acting and reflecting on the field and off the field.”.
Ream appeared briefly speechless before responding with a gratitude that sounded immediate and personal. “This is more than a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve done everything possible to be a part of this group. to help this group along. and I’m just really. 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.”.
When Ream left the presser. the focus shifted to what the captain will be walking into: a tight stretch of friendlies and recovery for a key defender. Pochettino provided an injury update on Chris Richards, who tore ligaments in his ankle earlier this month. Pochettino said Richards will not participate in the warm-up friendly against Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday. Instead, Pochettino said Richards will “keep doing his rehab,” with re-evaluation scheduled for next week.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The USMNT will play another international friendly against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago on June 6, then open World Cup play against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12.
USMNT Tim Ream Mauricio Pochettino 2026 FIFA World Cup captain Chris Richards Senegal friendly Charlotte Germany friendly Soldier Field Paraguay SoFi Stadium