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United States manager Mauricio Pochettino has named experienced defender Tim Ream as the team’s captain for the World Cup next month.
The decision was confirmed Saturday morning and Ream, 38, has beaten star man Christian Pulisic and in-form midfielder Tyler Adams – who captained his country in the 2022 tournament – to win the armband.
‘I am so grateful he is with us,’ Pochettino said of Ream, who has been captain for 17 of the coach’s 24 games leading USA. ‘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 we want.’
Ream, who plays for Major League Soccer team Charlotte, said: ‘This is more than a dream come true. I am not going to take it for granted. I’ve done everything possible to be part of this group, to help this group. I’m really grateful to be sitting here to have this honor.’
Pulisic has captained the United States at various points of his career and has the most appearances out of everyone named on the roster this week, with 84 caps to his name. Ream is second, with 80.
Central defender Ream was considered to be in the twilight of his career at the last World Cup, where his impressive form in the Premier League with Fulham saw him make it into Gregg Berhalter’s squad for the Qatar tournament.
Defender Tim Ream has been announced as the United States captain for the World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino paid a glowing tribute to Ream upon making the announcement
He started all four games at the tournament, with the United States reaching the last 16 before losing against Holland.
Adams, meanwhile, has been in magnificent form for Bournemouth this season – the surprise team in the Premeir League. He has even caught the eye of scouts at Manchester United.
‘It’s a privilege and an honor, anybody that gets to wear the armband,’ Adams said of the captaincy this week, as per The Athletic.
‘But what I represent, how I lead, I think anybody that plays with me knows that I’m a leader. That’s just how I’ve been my entire career. Whether I’m wearing the armband or not, that’s how it is.’
Pochettino’s men have two World Cup warmup games on the horizon, facing Senegal on Sunday in Charlotte followed by a game in Chicago against Germany on June 6.
The United States start their World Cup on June 12 against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
The team then fly up to Seattle for the second game, against Australia, before returning back to California for the final group match against Turkey.
