Overview
- Ream is the U.S. captain at age 38 and is playing his second World Cup after a surprise recall in 2022 that led to every minute of the team’s Qatar run.
- Mauricio Pochettino named Ream captain when he took charge in September 2024 and has given him the armband in the majority of matches since, signaling sustained coach trust.
- Teammates describe Ream as a ‘father figure’ and an on-field coach who brings calm and tactical guidance that the roster’s many World Cup debutants rely on.
- The U.S. is scheduled to play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 on July 1, a single-elimination match that will test the defensive organization Ream helps provide.
- Ream’s years in England with Bolton and Fulham and public praise from figures like Pep Guardiola helped revive his international career and made him a bridge between the team’s veteran core and younger players, with added symbolism because he is a current MLS player leading the side.