Tim Ream's long road leads to USMNT World Cup captaincy — 'This is more than a dream come true'

Tim Ream, 38, was named the USMNT World Cup captain on Saturday, May 30, 2026, by coach Mauricio Pochettino, who personally made the decision rather than leaving it to a player vote as was done before the 2022 tournament. Ream has worn the captain's armband more than any other U.S. player under Pochettino, and at 38 would become the oldest player in U.S. history to appear in a World Cup match. An emotional Ream described the honor as 'more than a dream come true,' while Pochettino praised him as a positive leader both on and off the field.