USMNT World Cup Squad: Ream Named Captain

Tim Ream named USMNT Captain for World Cup

Tim Ream, 38, will captain the USMNT at the World Cup. Pochettino says the team is built to “win the World Cup, or maybe be there for sure in the top” as they face Senegal and Germany in friendlies.

“I think he needs to keep doing his rehab, and I think it's much better to stay here...”

Veteran defender Tim Ream will wear the captain’s armband for co-hosts USA at the upcoming World Cup. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced Saturday that Ream will lead the team as they aim for a strong run in the tournament starting in under two weeks.

Pochettino called the 38-year-old center-back an obvious pick for captain. Ream spent more than 10 years with English sides Fulham and Bolton Wanderers, and his experience stands out in a young U.S. squad.

“He was my first captain when we arrived... I am so grateful that he's with us,” said Pochettino, who took over in September 2024.

“It's so lucky to have a player like him, with his personality and his character involved, and helping the young players.”

  

Since Pochettino took charge, Ream has captained the U.S. in 16 of 23 games. He’s become a trusted veteran voice and the coach’s key link to the locker room. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, 27, wore the armband at the last World Cup and remains in this squad too.

Pochettino was clear that naming Ream captain doesn’t lock him into the starting lineup. At 38, Ream would also become the oldest player ever to represent the U.S. at a World Cup.

Ream said leading his country at a World Cup was “more than a dream come true,” and the “highest honor.”

The U.S. opens against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. Australia and Turkey round out Group D alongside the co-hosts.

Because the U.S. is co-hosting, they’ll play all their matches at home. They’re also favored to advance from a Group D that looks tight and balanced on paper.

Pochettino has already said he wants to win the World Cup. That would be a massive upset with powerhouses like France, Spain, and his own Argentina tipped as favorites.

On Saturday, Pochettino said the U.S. national team setup was built to help them “win the World Cup, or maybe be there for sure in the top.”

The coach’s contract with the USMNT runs through the World Cup. He didn’t address rumors linking him to Italian club AC Milan during Saturday’s press conference.

Tim Ream has been named as the #USMNT captain by Mauricio Pochettino for the FIFA World Cup 2026. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/w6dth76pbr

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) May 30, 2026

USMNT Final Warm-Up Hits Injury Snag

The U.S. will prep for the World Cup with a friendly vs Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, then face Germany in Chicago the following weekend.

Of Pochettino’s 26-man squad named Tuesday, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards is the only injury concern.

  

Richards was on the bench for Palace’s UEFA Conference League final win as he recovers from an ankle issue. “I think he needs to keep doing his rehab, and I think it's much better to stay here and plan to train and reevaluate next week,” Pochettino said from the national team’s new Atlanta base.

Pochettino Weighs Richards' World Cup Fitness

“It’s too early. We need to see. The next few days are going to be key to see the possibilities to be ready or not on the World Cup,” the coach added.

Squads must submit their official rosters to FIFA by Monday, but a team spokesman said injured players can still be replaced up to 24 hours before their first match.

Pochettino called this weekend’s opponent Senegal “one of the contenders” for the World Cup, but said winning the friendly isn’t his main focus.

“The objective is to compete well, but not taking risk, and of course being safe here Sunday night to start to train Monday,” he said