USMNT Captain For 2026 World Cup Officially Revealed

Christian Pulisic has carried the moniker of “Captain America” for years now, but he won’t be wearing the captain’s armband for the United States men’s national team in the quickly approaching 2026 FIFA World Cup.

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino announced Saturday that veteran defender Tim Ream, 38, will captain the team for their World Cup run.

“I am so grateful that he is with us because [he] was a great captain, not only on the field, even though that’s maybe more important, [but also] off the field,” Pochettino said during his and Ream’s joint press conference. “I think he has the experience - he has the capacity - to be the leader that we want. The positive leader acting and reflecting on the field and off the field.”

Ream was left briefly speechless before thanking Pochettino.

“This is more than a dream come true,” Ream said. “I’ve done everything possible to be a part of this group, to help this group along, and I’m just really, really grateful to be sitting here. To have this honor. And at the same time, it’s not going to change what I do, or who I am, and how I help the group.”

Once Ream departed the presser, Pochettino provided an injury update on defender Chris Richards, who tore ligaments in his ankle earlier this month. Pochettino said that Richards will not participate in the warm-up friendly against Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday and will instead “keep doing his rehab.” Richards will be re-evaluated next week.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The USMNT will field another international friendly against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago on June 6 before opening World Cup play against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12.

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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 5:01 PM.