Daijiworld Media Network - Atlanta
Atlanta, May 31: Veteran defender Tim Ream will captain the United States at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced on Saturday.
The 38-year-old centre-back, who spent more than a decade playing for English clubs Fulham and Bolton Wanderers, was chosen for his experience, leadership qualities and influence within the squad.
Pochettino, who took charge of the US national team in September 2024, said Ream had been a key figure since his arrival.
"He was my first captain when we arrived. I am so grateful that he's with us. It's so lucky to have a player like him, with his personality and character involved and helping the young players," the coach said.
Ream has captained the United States in 16 of the 23 matches under Pochettino and has emerged as an important link between the coaching staff and players. Midfielder Tyler Adams, who captained the team at the previous World Cup, also remains part of the current squad.
However, Pochettino clarified that the captaincy does not guarantee Ream a place in the starting lineup. If selected for the tournament, Ream would become the oldest player to represent the United States at a World Cup.
Reacting to the announcement, Ream described the opportunity as "more than a dream come true" and called it the highest honour of his career.
The United States will begin their World Cup campaign against Paraguay national football team in Los Angeles on June 12. Group D also includes the Australia national football team and the Turkey national football team.
Playing all their matches on home soil as co-hosts, the Americans are considered strong contenders to advance from the group stage.
Pochettino reiterated his ambition of guiding the United States to a historic World Cup triumph, despite competition from traditional powerhouses such as France national football team, Spain national football team and Argentina national football team.
"The structure of this national team is designed to help us win the World Cup, or at least be among the top teams," he said.
The United States will play warm-up matches against the Senegal national football team in Charlotte on Sunday and the Germany national football team in Chicago next weekend.
Meanwhile, defender Chris Richards remains the only injury concern in the 26-man squad. Richards, who recently featured for Crystal Palace, is recovering from an ankle injury and will continue rehabilitation before a final assessment is made.
Pochettino said the coming days would be crucial in determining whether Richards will be fit for the World Cup.
Teams are required to submit their final squads to FIFA by Monday, although injured players can be replaced up to 24 hours before their first match.
While describing Senegal as one of the tournament contenders, Pochettino stressed that player fitness and preparation would take precedence over the result in Sunday's friendly encounter.