Overview
- Pochettino named Tim Ream the U.S. captain at a press conference Saturday, formalizing a role he has frequently given the defender during his tenure.
- The decision was made by Pochettino rather than by a player vote, with the coach saying he picked Ream for his experience and character.
- Ream, 38, is the oldest player on the 26-man roster and would become the oldest American to play at a World Cup, bringing roughly 80 caps and previous World Cup minutes.
- Pochettino stressed that the armband is a leadership designation and does not guarantee Ream a starting place in any given match.
- The team will play tune-up friendlies against Senegal in Charlotte and Germany in Chicago before moving to base camp in Irvine and opening Group D play on June 12 in Los Angeles.