Why Ream Is The Perfect World Cup Captain For USMNT Coach Pochettino

BusinessSportsMoneyWhy Ream Is The Perfect World Cup Captain For USMNT Coach PochettinoByMichael Lewis,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. U.S. men's national team and soccerFollow AuthorMay 30, 2026, 09:22pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 26: Tim Ream, player of United States, poses with his jersey during the United States World Cup roster reveal on May 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWhen a coach selects a captain for his or her soccer team, they don’t necessarily pick their best player, leading goalscorer or the squad's most popular player.They will give the armband to someone they can communicate with and to help get their message across to their players, and someone with strong leadership qualities.We have lost count as to how many times Christian Pulisic has captained the U.S. men's national team as announcers and writers love to call him Captain America because it makes for great headlines.For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Tim Ream will be Captain America.ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 22: Head coach Mauricio Pochettino of the United States waves to fans prior to a game against the Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on January 22, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWhy Pochettino selected Ream as USMNT captainHead coach Mauricio Pochettino announced that he named the Charlotte FC center back as the U.S. Men’s National Team captain for the World Cup on Saturday.It should not have been a surprise because Ream has skippered 17 of the 23 games in which he has been in charge.During a press conference in Fayetteville, Ga., Pochettino explained his reasoning.MORE FOR YOU"I am so grateful that [Ream] is with us and because [he] was a great captain, not only on the field ... maybe more important off the field," P...