Pochettino Names Tim Ream U.S. Captain for 2026 World Cup

U.S. men's national team for the 2026 World Cup. U.S. National Soccer Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Ream, a 38-year-old St. Louis native who plays for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, will turn 38 years and 250 days old on June 12 when the United States opens the tournament against Paraguay. He has captained the team in 16 of 23 matches since Pochettino took over in October 2024.

Pochettino said the decision was made with his staff and noted that Ream would remain captain regardless of whether he starts. He described Ream as a great captain both on and off the field who provides experience and a positive leadership example. Ream said the appointment came as a surprise.

"Wow. 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. I'm just really, really grateful to be sitting here, to have this honor.

Ream played college soccer at Saint Louis University before joining the New York Red Bulls in 2010. He moved to Bolton in 2012, signed with Fulham in 2015, and spent 10 seasons at Craven Cottage before returning to MLS with Charlotte in 2024. The United States has had a World Cup captain since 1950.

Previous captains include Mike Windischmann in 1990, Tony Meola in 1994, Thomas Dooley in 1998, Claudio Reyna in 2002 and 2006, Carlos Bocanegra in 2010, and Clint Dempsey in 2014. Pochettino also provided an update on defender Chris Richards, who made the bench for Crystal Palace's 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final.

Richards did not travel to Charlotte for the May 31 friendly against Senegal and remained at the National Training Center to continue rehabilitation from an ankle injury.

Pochettino said it was "too early" to know if Richards would be ready for the June 12 opener. As captain, Ream will serve as a conduit for head coach Mauricio Pochettino at the 2026 World Cup.