As one of the hosts, the USMNT is off to a flying start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After all, the USMNT registered back-to-back wins over Paraguay and Australia to clinch a spot in the Round of 32 of the tournament.
For a team that isn't expected to go deep into the tournament, such an electric start has shocked many. But what does team captain Tim Ream think of leading his side to this run? He recently shared his thoughts.
Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
At 38 years old, Ream is among the oldest players participating in the World Cup, and on top of that, he's wearing the armband for Team USA.
So, what does it feel like? Ream explained in a recent interview before Team USA's final group-stage game vs. Turkey.
"I've always, for better or worse, downplayed things in my life and my career," Ream said. "It's incredible to have the honor, it's incredible to have the armband, [but] I don't turn it into something more than it is."
He added, "I'm still myself. I still do the same things. I still act the same way and interact with people, the same way."
Ream has come a long way in his international career, as this is just his second World Cup for the USMNT, but even at 38, he's giving it his all.
Coming back to the USMNT's final group stage match vs. Turkey, many expected another win for the team, especially after taking a 1-0 lead three minutes into the game.
However, Arda Guler equalized in the 10th minute, then a 31st-minute goal from Alper Yilmaz put Turkey in the driving seat with a 2-1 lead.
The USMNT did equalize with a second-half goal from Sebastian Berhalter , but since then, the game is yet to find a winner.
At the time of writing, the USMNT and Turkey are engaged in a 2-2 draw, but the final result will have no impact on the standings in the group.
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