Irvine, Calif. – United States Men’s National Team defender, Tim Ream, sat down with members of the media in the buildup to the end of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Ream has become one of Mauricio Pochettino’s most important leaders, providing experience and composure as the United States continues its exciting World Cup run.
He’s approaching the end of his career and spoke on the USMNT’s strategy, impact, and his own national pride during a home World Cup.
World Cup Strategy and Success
Ream discussed the emotions following the group’s crucial win over Australia to advance to the Round of 32:
“Everyone was super happy and really excited. We set out to obviously win the group and to be able to do that after the second game out of three, everyone was just on a big high,” Ream said.
The crowd support was incredible in Seattle and he remarked how amazing it’s been to be a part of the incredible support the team has received.
The defender spoke about his own strategy and day-to-day actions that prepared him for the rush of the World Cup.
“I’m a very balanced person, not very up and down. I’m obviously trying to watch at least bits and pieces of every game,” Ream said on keeping up with the World Cup action.
“You know there’s so many different responsibilities throughout the day. Whether that’s recovery, treatment, the medical side. I want to enjoy every moment, what we’re doing, where we are, who we’re with, while also paying attention to potential outcomes,” Ream added.
He added that family has been around and he’s doing everything to make it feel as normal as possible during the busy time.
Ream also discussed the team’s increasingly aggressive mentality, responding to recent discussion surrounding the United States’ more confrontational approach.
“They’ve basically made it a point to say like listen, ‘We’re American, we don’t take shit.’ In the past, we’ve taken a little bit of shit and not given it back, so it’s been more intentional, you know we’re not gonna be pushed around anymore,” Ream said.
National Team Impact
Since the onset of the World Cup on American soil, social media has been alive with images and videos of cultures and other fans coming together in celebration and pride.
Speaking on the sense of togetherness and connection throughout U.S. fans, Ream remarked, “We are very aware of what the performances and games have been doing for fans and for the country and creating this connection.”
“Qatar was a great World Cup, but I just feel this one is different. We hope this inspires more and more people to be on this journey, pick up a ball, and have this sport be their go-to,” Ream added.
Ream experienced the U.S. side that was knocked out in Qatar in the Round of 16. That team was relatively young, and even more in this World Cup, many players are playing in a World Cup for the first time.
“One of the coolest things was seeing guys that were not awed by the occasion. It was like a steely focus and an almost knowing of what it was gonna take, what we had to do, and what we would do,” Ream said.
Ream credited the increasing number of Americans playing abroad, along with the continued growth of MLS, for helping raise both the quality of the player pool and the profile of soccer in the United States.
National Pride
The veteran defender added later on the national pride he’s experiencing during this World Cup.
“In Seattle, I could have shed a tear, and I was like, maybe I’m the only one. I’m old, sentimental, and near the end,” Ream said.
“Leaving those places and hearing that the national anthem is moving them is everything we’ve been discussing, is everything that Maurizio has tried to, you know, instill how important it is to represent the country and the badge,” Ream added.
He later added it’s one of the big reasons the team is playing the way they are. It’s an energy and a feeling he hasn’t experienced in a national team jersey and the pride of representing the country.
This U.S. side has a belief unlike any other in this tournament, one Ream remarked on as uniquely strong.
“Mauricio and his staff, you know, saying, why not us, why can’t we be the ones to win this,” Ream said on the team’s mentality.
“When you believe something and put it out in the universe, things happen, they really do happen. We truly believe we can make an incredible run, and we believe in each other no matter who we are playing,” Ream added.
As the U.S prepares for the knockout stages, Ream and the national team will look to continue to strive for success and build on the incredible energy and belief as they chase history.
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