IRVINE, Calif. – With the added stakes of the knockout rounds fully in place, center back Tim Ream is offering the U.S. Men’s National Team, just a couple days out from its Round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a sense of calm.
Teammates have compared the St. Louis native to a father figure or an extension of the coaching staff throughout USMNT camp at Orange County Great Park. The 38-year-old is the oldest player on the roster, and in the team’s opening match against Paraguay, became the oldest player ever to appear for the USA in the FIFA World Cup.
Beyond his age, Ream provides a wealth of experience to a team that features youngsters such as Alex Freeman and Chris Brady, who are 21 and 22 years old, respectively. Ream has been playing professional soccer for more than 15 years. Since being drafted by New York Red Bulls in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, he’s built a remarkably enduring career that included nine seasons with Fulham in both the English Premier League and English Championship.
A steady figure for the U.S. Men’s National Team with 84 caps to his name, Ream’s presence and leadership steered head coach Mauricio Pochettino to name the veteran as the U.S. captain heading into FIFA World Cup 2026.
“He gives us a sense of calmness,” USMNT teammate Gio Reyna said. “His experience is the main factor that he holds that can really help this team. He means everything. He’s been around for the last 15 years… he’s definitely someone you can lean on.”
Teammates have compared the St. Louis native to a father figure or an extension of the coaching staff throughout USMNT camp at Orange County Great Park. The 38-year-old is the oldest player on the roster, and in the team’s opening match against Paraguay, became the oldest player ever to appear for the USA in the FIFA World Cup.
Beyond his age, Ream provides a wealth of experience to a team that features youngsters such as Alex Freeman and Chris Brady, who are 21 and 22 years old, respectively. Ream has been playing professional soccer for more than 15 years. Since being drafted by New York Red Bulls in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, he’s built a remarkably enduring career that included nine seasons with Fulham in both the English Premier League and English Championship.
A steady figure for the U.S. Men’s National Team with 84 caps to his name, Ream’s presence and leadership steered head coach Mauricio Pochettino to name the veteran as the U.S. captain heading into FIFA World Cup 2026.
“He gives us a sense of calmness,” USMNT teammate Gio Reyna said. “His experience is the main factor that he holds that can really help this team. He means everything. He’s been around for the last 15 years… he’s definitely someone you can lean on.”
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