Tim Ream Named USMNT Captain for 2026 World Cup

In a surprising turn of events, the United States men's national team will not see Christian Pulisic wear the captain's armband during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Instead, veteran defender Tim Ream, aged 38, has been appointed as the captain, as announced by USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday.

Pochettino expressed his gratitude for Ream's leadership qualities, emphasizing his importance both on and off the pitch. "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," he remarked during a joint press conference with Ream. "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, visibly moved by the announcement, thanked Pochettino and articulated his feelings about the honor. "This is more than a dream come true,” he stated. “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."

Following Ream's remarks, Pochettino provided an update on teammate Chris Richards, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. Pochettino confirmed that Richards will miss the upcoming friendly against Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina, as he continues his rehabilitation, with a re-evaluation scheduled for next week.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with the USMNT gearing up for their first match against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, after facing Germany in a friendly on June 6 in Chicago.