Tim Ream’s international retirement on Tuesday led to a changing of the guard as captain of the US Men’s National Team.
Tyler Adams has been named the program’s new captain for the 2030 cycle, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Friday. Adams was previously in the role during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will now lead the program into its newest qualifier.
“I think so [we’re] I’m very happy to announce that he will be our leader and captain and that everyone knows,” Pochettino said of Adams at a press conference. [in] very good relationship in last two years. I think we’ve been talking a lot and he knows what I expect and he’s a perfect role model for everyone in terms of his philosophy, his future, his representation of that amazing country. I think he is the player and person who can lead that era ahead. And me [say] I congratulate you.”
Adams, 27, made his USMNT debut in November 2017 and has remained a key leader both on and off the field. To date, he has played 60 games, scored two goals, lifted two CONCACAF Nations League trophies and was 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. After 74 games with the Red Bulls, Adams moved to German club RB Leipzig and spent one season at EPL side Leeds United before being relegated.
Adams vowed to remain the same person he always was with the USMNT and do whatever it takes to help the team succeed.
“I am very honored and grateful for the opportunity,” Adams said. “I think, as Mauricio said, we’ve built a great relationship over the last two years with the whole staff, my teammates here, leading up to this past World Cup. And I think as we start a new cycle, I’m really excited to be able to help my teammates and the staff in any way I can to win, to grow the federation and ultimately take the next step.
“I think getting a wristband doesn’t mean anything to me about being a leader or being different than me,” he said. “I’m going to be the same person. I’m going to try and obviously continue to lead this group to a winning culture and build what we’re trying to build here. So, yeah, I want to represent my teammates the best way possible.”
The news comes days after longtime defender Tim Ream announced his retirement from the USMNT, ending a 16-year international career. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Chris Richards were also expected to take up the captaincy, but Pochettino decided Adams was best suited for the role after working with the squad.
Pochettino has conveyed his and his staff’s expectations to Adams on how he will manage the team going forward, but has already praised his new leader.
“I think it’s important [for] to have the chance to nominate or announce the new staff and for everyone to know that Tyler is the perfect person, player and professional to lead in the way we expect him to be.”
“In the last few weeks we have talked to him, he knows exactly what we expect from him. He certainly has to challenge us, the coaching staff,” added Pochettino. “He has to defend his teammates. I think he has the quality and the feeling that he has the ability to deal with this kind of situation. As he says, he represents the federation, the players, but also us, the coaches, the staff. I think he’s also great at communicating with them. [the media]with fans.”
Adams’ first game as captain comes Saturday when the USMNT takes on CONCACAF rivals Mexico in Glendale, Arizona.