Midfielder Tyler Adams Named Captain of US Men's National Soccer Team

There is a new Captain America of the U. Men's National Team in the wake of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But the new captain is actually an old one as midfielder Tyler Adams was appointed to the position after previously wearing the captain's armband at the 2022 World Cup. Adams will again be captain when the USMNT faces Mexico on Saturday.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino announced the news Friday, three days after the team's 4-2 victory over Chile. Before the game, captain Tim Ream announced his retirement from international competition.

"I think [we're] so happy to announce and for everyone to know that [Adams] is going to be our leader and our captain," Pochettino said during a press conference. "I think we've been [in] a very good relationship in the last two years.

I think we were talking a lot, and I think he knows what I expect, and he's a perfect role model for everyone in the way that the philosophy, the future, representing that amazing country. I think he's the player and the person that can lead that period that we have ahead.

Adams, 27, will be captain for the rest of this four-match international slate-which featured wins over Peru and Chile, continues with Saturday's match, and concludes Tuesday against Canada-and is expected to remain captain for the next World Cup cycle, meaning he should keep the armband for the next four years. The current roster for the USMNT was informed of Adams's appointment on Thursday during a training session.

Pochettino said he consulted with his staff about who should get the honor, but the final decision was his. The coach also informed the U.

Soccer Federation Board of Directors, which includes one of Adams's USMNT teammates, goalkeeper Matt Freese, a voting member of the board. I'm extremely honored and grateful for the opportunity," Adams said.

"I think that, like Mauricio said, we've obviously built an amazing relationship over the past two years with all the staff, with my teammates here, going into this past World Cup. And I think as we start a new cycle, I'm excited to be able to help my teammates and the staff in any way possible in order to win, grow the federation and ultimately take that next step."