Tim Ream's age explains USMNT captain decision over Christian Pulisic

Tim Ream will be the United States captain for this home World Cup in 2026.

It could've been Christian Pulisic, but Mauricio Pochettino gave Ream the armband, surely in part because of his age and experience.

When the U.S. opens its tournament on Friday night against Paraguay, Ream will lead the USMNT out onto the pitch.

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How old is Tim Ream? 

Ream is 38 years old.

He'll turn 39 in October.

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Why is Tim Ream the USMNT captain?

Ream is the captain in large part because of that experience.

He plays in MLS now, but he was a long-time defender in the English Premier League, widely considered the best league in the world. That gives you the kind of footballing lessons that can't be learned anywhere else.

Ream also plays a classic position for a captain, centerback. That's a player in the heart of the defense who has to communicate with all his teammates and can see everything that's going on.

Pochettino had frequently picked Ream as his captain in matches leading up to the World Cup, so it wasn't a total surprise.

Despite Pulisic being called "Captain America" by some, he won't have the armband.

Pulisic will still be crucial to the U.S. success at this tournament, though.

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