Tim Ream named USMNT captain for 2026 World Cup

Veteran center back Tim Ream has been named captain of the U.S. men's national team for the 2026 World Cup, head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced Saturday at camp in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Ream, 38, captained the team in 17 of 24 matches under Pochettino during qualifying. Pochettino said the decision reflected Ream's qualities as a leader both on and off the pitch.

"Tim was my first captain as USMNT head coach," Pochettino told media. "I'm so grateful he's with us, he's a great captain not only on the field — and maybe more importantly — off the field. He has the experience and capacity to be the positive leader we want."

At 38, Ream is in line to become the oldest player to represent the United States at a men's World Cup, surpassing the late Fernando Clavijo.

The captaincy announcement came as the USMNT roster was officially unveiled ahead of the tournament. Ream's selection as captain was viewed as the clear favorite heading into camp, according to officials.

Midfielder Weston McKennie commented on the role of captaincy in the team structure, noting that responsibility extends across the entire squad. "Anyone can wear the captain's armband and take on that responsibility," McKennie said. "At the end of the day, it's still a whole team who has to go out there, and we are all family, like brothers. We love each other like family."

McKennie's remarks reflected how the captaincy in U.S. soccer, similar to other American sports, carries different weight than in European football traditions. The selection of Ream over higher-profile players like Christian Pulisic underscored Pochettino's emphasis on experience and leadership qualities in the role.