By OkayGoal
Tim Ream’s international retirement on Tuesday has led to a changing in the guard in the U.S. Men’s National Team captain position.
Tyler Adams has been named the program’s new captain for the 2030 cycle, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Friday in his prematch press conference. Adams was previously in the role during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will now lead the program forward into the newest qualifying period.
“I think [we’re] so happy to announce and for everyone to know that he’s going to be our leader and our captain,” Pochettino said about Adams at his press conference. “I think we’ve been [in] a very good relationship in the last two years. I think we were talking a lot, and I think he knows what I expect, and he’s a perfect role model for everyone in the way that the philosophy, the future, representing that amazing country. I think he’s the player and the person that can lead that period that we have ahead. And I [say] congratulations.”
Adams, 27, made his USMNT debut back in November 2017 and has remained a key leader both on and off the field. He’s earned 60 caps to date, scored two goals, lifted two CONCACAF Nations League trophies, and been part of the 2022 and 2026 World Cup squads.
The New York native is in the midst of his third club season with English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth after previously coming through the ranks with the New York Red Bulls. Following 74 appearances with the Red Bulls, Adams moved to German club RB Leipzig and also spent one season with EPL side Leeds United prior to their then-relegation.
Adams vowed to remain the same person as he’s always been with the USMNT, helping in any way possible so that the team can be successful.
“I’m extremely honored and grateful for the opportunity,” Adams said. “I think that, like Mauricio said, we’ve obviously built an amazing relationship over the past two years with all the staff, with my teammates here, going into this past World Cup. And I think as we start a new cycle, I’m excited to be able to help my teammates and the staff in any way possible in order to win, grow the federation and ultimately take that next step. So, I appreciate it.
“I think getting the armband, it doesn’t mean anything to me in being a leader or being different from who I am,” he added. “I’m going to be the exact same person. I’m going to try and obviously lead this group into a winning culture and continuing to build what we’re trying to build here. So yeah, I want to represent my teammates in the best way possible.”
The news comes only a few days after longtime defender Tim Ream announced his USMNT retirement, ending a 16-year international career. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Chris Richards were also expected candidates to take over the captain’s armband, but after Pochettino collaborated with staff, decided that Adams was best suited for the role.
Pochettino relayed his and the staff’s expectations to Adams for how to lead the squad going forward, but already has high praise for his new leader.
“I think it’s important [for] the new staff to nominate or to have the chance to announce and everyone to know that Tyler is the perfect person, player and professional to be the leader in the way that we expect,” Pochettino said.
“In the last few weeks that we were talking with him, he knows exactly what we expect from him. He needs to challenge us, of course, the coaching staff,” Pochettino added. “He needs to defend teammates. There’s plenty of things that I think he has the quality and have the feelings to deal with this type of situation. Representing, like he said, the federation, players, but also us, the coaches, the staff. And I think he also is great at communicating with [the media], with the fans.”
Adams’ first match as captain will come on Saturday when the USMNT takes on CONCACAF rivals Mexico in Glendale, Arizona.