Pochettino Hands Ream the Armband for U.S. World Cup Campaign
Mauricio Pochettino has appointed Tim Ream as captain of the United States men's national team for this summer's World Cup, the manager announced Saturday at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center outside Atlanta. Pochettino was unambiguous about how the decision was reached. "Not a vote of the team, of the players," he said. "It's my decision."
Ream, 38, is the oldest player on the USA's 26-man roster and the team's most experienced active voice under Pochettino, having worn the armband in 16 of 23 matches since the Argentine manager took charge. His tenure with the national team stretches back to a debut on Nov. 17, 2010, and he has accumulated 80 caps across 15 years of service, scoring once. He played every minute of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Pochettino credited Ream's influence beyond the tactical - "He's a great captain not only on the field, but maybe more importantly, off the field," the manager said - and described him as "an amazing voice" with the personality to serve as the group's positive leader.
Ream, visibly moved at the press conference, called the appointment his highest honor. "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 have this honor. And at the same time, it's not going to change what I do or who I am or how I help the group." He added that he would not take the distinction for granted. The captaincy at the previous World Cup was held by Tyler Adams, then 23, who wore the armband through the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Adams, still a prominent figure in the squad, addressed reporters before Saturday's announcement. "What I represent, how I lead, I think anybody that plays with me knows that I'm a leader," he said. "That's just how I've been my entire career, whether I'm wearing the armband or not." Ream's standing among the younger players in the group is established: 21-year-old defender Alex Freeman, the roster's youngest member, said earlier in the week that he regularly seeks Ream's counsel.
The United States face two preparatory friendlies before the tournament opens. They meet Senegal in Charlotte on Sunday before traveling to Chicago to face Germany on Saturday, June 6. The squad then relocates to its World Cup base camp in Irvine, California. The Americans are drawn in Group D and open against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, before facing Australia in Seattle on June 19 and Türkiye back in Los Angeles on June 25.
