Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream has been selected to lead the U.S. men’s national soccer team as captain for the upcoming World Cup tournament.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced Saturday that the 38-year-old veteran would wear the captain’s armband for the national squad.
“I am so grateful he is with us — he is a great captain not only (on the) field but more importantly off the field. He has the experience and capacity to be the leader we want,” Pochettino said.
Since joining the national team in 2010, Ream has appeared in 80 matches for the USMNT and was a starter in all four games during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Tyler Adams served as captain.
“This is more than a dream come true,” said Ream, who will make history as the oldest American to compete in a World Cup. “It’s the highest honor for me.”
The United States currently holds the 16th position in global rankings and has been placed in Group D for the World Cup tournament in North America. Their opening match is scheduled for June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, followed by games against Australia on June 19 in Seattle and Turkey on June 25 in Inglewood, California.
Before the tournament begins, the team will play preparation matches against Senegal on Sunday in Charlotte and Germany on June 6 in Chicago.
Ream is currently in his third year with Charlotte and fourth season in Major League Soccer. Throughout his MLS career, he has recorded two goals and three assists across 105 regular-season games, with 102 starts between the New York Red Bulls in 2011 and Charlotte from 2024-26. His international experience includes playing for English clubs Bolton Wanderers from 2012-15 and Fulham from 2015-24.
