Tim Ream, captain of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team, is brimming with enthusiasm as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup, particularly due to the opportunity to share this moment with his family. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, the 38-year-old defender recounted his emotional anticipation of seeing his wife, Kristen Sapienza, and their three children in the stands, a prospect that fills him with “goosebumps”.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/tim-ream-family-060226-2-a4a02631c32e4664a1ae0a0421a76530.jpg)
Ream shared that although his children—sons Aidan, 12, and Theo, 10, along with 7-year-old daughter Lilia—were exposed to the excitement of the World Cup in 2022, their enthusiasm has ramped up considerably this time around. “They remember bits and pieces,” he noted, “but now that they’re older, it’s all that they’re talking about.” He expressed joy over their excitement, stating, “It’s cool in a way that they have their own World Cup fever, collecting stickers and really getting into it.”
Despite the thrill of the footballing world, Ream and his wife, a former footballer herself, make a concerted effort to maintain a healthy boundary between his professional life and his role as a father. “We’ve really tried to separate who I am and what I do to who I am and what I do in the house,” he explained. The defender emphasised the importance of presenting a balanced image to his children, ensuring they understand the distinction between his professional commitments and family life.
In the lead-up to the World Cup, Ream has also partnered with Goodnites for their “To My Younger Self” campaign, aimed at assisting children and parents who face the challenges of childhood bedwetting. Ream revealed that he struggled with this issue during his own upbringing, an experience that has given him a unique perspective today. “Honestly, I haven’t seen anybody speak about it,” he remarked, mentioning that he has personally faced the same struggles as a parent. By participating in this campaign, he hopes to normalise the conversation around bedwetting and alleviate the stigma surrounding it.
Through this partnership, he aims to remind families that such issues are common and should not invoke shame. “It’s a common part of childhood,” he asserted, underscoring that kids should feel at ease discussing their experiences. Ream’s commitment to opening up about these challenges reflects not only his dedication to supporting others but also his understanding of the pressures faced by children today.
Ream attributes part of his success to his love for soccer, describing it as an outlet during his youth when he grappled with difficult emotions. “I actually call it my superpower now,” he said, explaining how the sport provided a refuge that allowed him to escape feelings of confusion and shame. “When I put my boots on and step outside, it’s like nothing else is there. It’s just you, it’s a ball, it’s your teammates,” he noted. This love for the game continues to fuel his ambitions as he trains to play in the upcoming tournament.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Ream’s excitement is palpable, especially with the anticipation of constant support from his family. Reflecting on his journey, he remarked on the importance of having his loved ones present to witness his efforts and achievements. “Seeing them in the stands… just knowing that all the hard work, all the decisions, everything that we’ve gone through as a family has been totally worth it,” he mused.
Ream’s professional commitment remains unwavering, as he gears up for the United States’ opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. As he prepares to lead his team on the field, he carries the hopes and excitement of his family and fans, undoubtedly making this World Cup a uniquely special event for him and his loved ones.