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Major League Soccer

·30 May 2026

By Charles Boehm

Tim Ream has been named as the captain of the United States Men’s National Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced ahead of the team’s second-last friendly match against Senegal, which will take place before the tournament begins across North America next month.

“I am so thankful to have him with us, as he has been an exceptional captain, not just on the pitch but perhaps even more so off it,” said the Argentine coach, referring to the Charlotte FC centre-back. The club’s home ground, Bank of America Stadium, will host Sunday’s friendly (3:30 pm ET | TBS, HBO Max, Telemundo, Universo, Peacock).

“He has the experience and the ability to be the type of leader we want — a positive leader who sets the example both on and off the field,” added Pochettino.

As he often does, ‘Poch’ quickly clarified that the captaincy doesn’t guarantee Ream a starting spot, restating one of the key principles of his management approach.

“It’s important that everyone understands — whether he plays or not, he is the captain,” Pochettino continued.

“It doesn’t mean that now he’s the captain, he’s automatically in the starting eleven, eh? That’s not what it means. But what’s important is that he will always be the captain, with or without the armband. He’s a great leader and a great person.”

While this announcement is not unexpected — Ream has worn the armband more often than any other player during Pochettino’s tenure — it serves as a testament to the veteran defender’s endurance, dependability, and the respect he commands from teammates and staff alike.

Teammates affectionately nicknamed Ream ‘grandpa’ during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where he was seen as having defied expectations by becoming a key player for the USMNT at age 34. Now, four years later and approaching his 39th birthday, he continues to be an exceptional case.

If Ream steps onto the field — and he remains a strong contender to start — he would surpass the record held by the late Fernando Clavijo from 1994 as the oldest player ever to represent the USMNT at a World Cup.

“This is more than a dream come true. I’ve done everything I can to be part of this group, to help this team, and I’m just extremely grateful to be here,” Ream said during Saturday’s press conference.

“At the same time, it doesn’t change who I am or what I do to support the group. Thank you — this is the highest honour for me, to represent this team at the World Cup, and I won’t take it for granted.”

Another key update from Saturday concerned fellow centre-back Chris Richards.

The FC Dallas academy graduate was the last player to arrive at the USMNT training camp at the new National Training Center near Atlanta. His late arrival was due to his involvement in the UEFA Conference League final with Crystal Palace on Wednesday — a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano for the London club. Richards was listed in the squad but didn’t play as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.

Given these circumstances, it was expected that Richards would not feature in Sunday’s clash with Senegal. Pochettino confirmed that the Alabama-born defender will remain in Georgia to focus on rehabilitation.

The coach admitted that, like everyone else, he’ll have to wait to see if Richards can recover in time to play a key role for the USMNT at the World Cup.

“He needs to continue his rehab work, and I think it’s better for him to stay here, train, and reassess his condition next week,” Pochettino said.

“I kept asking since yesterday — a hundred times — what’s the update, what’s the information? And the answer was always: wait, wait, wait. It’s still too early. The next few days will be crucial to see if he can be ready for the World Cup.”

Whoever lines up for the United States at Bank of America Stadium will face a significant challenge.

Senegal, one of Africa’s most formidable teams, won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in impressive fashion earlier this year. However, CAF — the continental governing body — later ruled that the Lions of Teranga forfeited their title after walking off the pitch briefly during their heated and dramatic final against Morocco.

Known for their skill, athleticism, and intelligence, Senegal boast a lineup filled with top players from leading clubs around the world. Pochettino believes they are legitimate contenders for the trophy this summer.

“Senegal are one of the best teams. In that final in Morocco, I don’t even know if we can say they were champions or not,” Pochettino joked, prompting laughter from reporters. “But their quality is outstanding.

“It will be great to face familiar players like [Idrissa] Gana Gueye, Nico Jackson, and Sadio Mané — players we know very well from different clubs.

“They are a fantastic team. For me, they are one of the top contenders from Africa and a real threat at the FIFA World Cup. I have no doubt about their talent and capability.”