Overview
- Ream set the record for oldest American man to appear at a World Cup when he started against Paraguay on June 12, 2026 at 38 years and 250 days old.
- Coach Mauricio Pochettino named Ream captain after the squad announcement and said he wanted a leader with the experience and character to guide the team.
- Ream brings 82 caps and full-minute experience from the 2022 World Cup, and he pairs with younger defenders like Chris Richards to anchor the back line.
- He plays and captains Charlotte FC, making him the first current MLS player to captain the USMNT at a World Cup since Clint Dempsey in 2014.
- Ream’s role ties this U.S. team to past generations — he has memories of 1994 hosting — and his leadership could shape how a roster split evenly between veterans and 13 World Cup debutants performs in the expanded 48-team tournament.