Tim Ream, captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team, has expressed his gratitude for the vibrant community surrounding the 2026 World Cup. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Ream reflected on the positive atmosphere and fan engagement witnessed during the tournament held in the United States, emphasising the significance of such a monumental event for players and fans alike.
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At 38 years old, Ream shared his thoughts at the ESPY Awards, held at the David H. Koch Theatre in New York City. He described the experience of playing in a home World Cup as “incredible” and highlighted the unique nature of this opportunity. “The guys really embraced what it is to play in a home World Cup,” he noted. The excitement surrounding the tournament added to a significant chapter in American soccer history, which is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
During the competition, the U.S. team faced a tough defeat against Belgium, losing 4-1 in their final match on July 6 in Seattle. Despite the loss, Ream remained focused on the positive aspects of the experience, particularly the fans who filled the stadiums, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere. “I think the coolest thing was seeing how engaged and how amazing the fan experience was over the course of the last couple of weeks,” he recalled.
The loss to Belgium marked the end of the U.S. team’s run in the tournament and came following a series of events that included the reinstatement of striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun had been suspended after receiving a red card during the U.S.’s earlier victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fortunately for the team, FIFA reviewed the incident and lifted the suspension just prior to the final match, allowing Balogun to rejoin his teammates.
Ream’s reflections on the World Cup experience were further complemented by his thoughts on the future of soccer in the United States, particularly with the return of Major League Soccer (MLS). As a veteran centre-back for Charlotte FC, Ream expressed hope that the momentum generated by the World Cup could benefit the league. “We’re obviously looking to piggyback off of that,” he stated, recognising the heightened interest in soccer that has developed during the tournament.
The captain’s optimism aligns with the anticipated All-Star Game, scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. Ream sees this event as another opportunity to engage with fans and build on the excitement that the World Cup has cultivated, aiming to establish a lasting soccer culture in the U.S.
Summarising the importance of the World Cup, Ream highlighted its potential impact on the broader sports landscape in America. “With how much soccer has been played here in the country and the eyes of the world and the sport have been here,” he said, alluding to the increased visibility that could encourage new fans to embrace the game.
As the U.S. football scene evolves, Tim Ream’s insights underscore not only the personal significance of the World Cup experience but also the potential for growth in American soccer. With the support of passionate fans and the framework of Major League Soccer, the future looks promising for the sport in the United States. Through continued engagement and community-building efforts, players and fans alike can look forward to an exciting chapter ahead.