Mauricio Pochettino has handed the USMNT armband to defender Tim Ream ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, confirming the experienced centre-back as his captain for the tournament.

The announcement was made in Fayetteville, Georgia, where the United States squad has been preparing. Pochettino's decision signals his trust in Ream to lead the host nation through what promises to be the most high-profile World Cup in the country's history.