Who should be the next USMNT captain? Tim Ream says this player 'would be perfect' originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
TheU.S. men's national teamis onto a new cycle.
With the2026 World Cupon home soil in the books, the USMNT must now begin the preparation forthe 2030 tournamentfollowing a4-1 round of 16 exit to Belgium .
Preparation will include developing younger talents, recruiting prospective dual nationalities and the search for a new captain, among others.
Tim Ream captained the Stars and Stripes at the 2026 tournament, but the veteran center-back is now 38 and will be gradually phased out of future competitions.
As Ream returns toMLSactionwith Charlotte FC , he hoped his nation could've went a "couple steps further" but still came away with many positives.
"I think if you look at the overall experience, the number of eyes that were watching the team, how we were able to connect with the fans and the supporters all around the country and in each stadium before, after, during, I think it was just an incredibly enriching experience for all of us," Ream told NBCUniversal Local. "And I think having it be on home soil made it that much more special.
"And I know special is a very easy word to say, but it felt very different this time around to feeling the energy and the excitement everywhere we went. And we as a group, as players, as a federation, we love that support. The players love that support and they felt it. And that needs to continue for everybody to feel good about where the sport is going."
Ream, who has seen and experienced a great deal with years in MLS and both thePremier Leagueand EFL Championship in England , explained his role in seeking the next captain process.
"I've been helping a few guys out, to be honest with you," Ream said. "I guess not overtly, but kind of having different conversations with guys. You know, helping them to see things a little bit differently than than they have in the past."
Who does Ream believe could be the next American to don the armband?
"I think Chris Richards is made for it, I think he would be perfect," Ream said. "But again, it's going to come down to whoever is in charge, and what they see and what characteristics and what personalities that they value.
"But I think Chris has all the intangibles to be that next captain. He's already a leader within the group. He already knows when and how to approach different guys. But I think that the biggest key is knowing all the different personalities within that room and how you relate to each and every one of them."
Richards, 26, is currently a regular starter for Premier League side Crystal Palace . Within the last two seasons, he played integral roles in the Eagles winning the 2024-25 FA Cup, 2025 Community Shield and 2025-26 UEFA Conference League, the latter being the club's first ever European trophy.
The notable name for the U.S. is Christian Pulisic , nicknamed "Captain America." The 27-year-old has been the captain before, so it'll be interesting to see how the upcoming decision pans out.
