Pochettino Names Tyler Adams USMNT Captain

Mauricio Pochettino has named midfielder Tyler Adams captain of the U.S. men’s national team, restoring him to a role he held at the 2022 World Cup. The appointment comes after Tim Ream retired from international soccer and ahead of the United States’ friendly against Mexico on Saturday, October 3. Pochettino announced the decision Friday as the team began a new World Cup cycle. He said Adams had built a strong relationship with the coaching staff and was suited to lead the group. Adams, 27, said he was honored by the opportunity and wanted to represent his teammates and country. He also said the captaincy would not change who he was as a person or how he approached leadership. Ream captained the United States at the 2026 World Cup before announcing his international retirement. The sources identify his departure as the immediate context for Pochettino’s choice. The coach said he consulted his staff but made the final decision himself. Adams previously captained the team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the United States reached the round of 16 before losing to the Netherlands.