Former USA captain Ream announces international retirement

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Former United States captain Tim Ream has confirmed his retirement from international football.

The centre-back, who won 86 caps for his country and wore the captain’s armband at this summer’s World Cup, announced his decision prior to Tuesday’s friendly against Chile.

That game, which the USA won 4-2, took place in Ream’s hometown of St. Louis, with the 38-year-old being welcomed to the pitch prior to kick-off as a special guest.

Ream was not included in Mauricio Pochettino’s first squad since the World Cup, and he now intends to prioritise club football, having returned to MLS with Charlotte FC in 2024 after nine years with Fulham.

“The kids are getting younger and younger, and I don’t mean my own kids!” Ream said at Energizer Park.

“It is retirement. We weren’t really sure how we wanted to label it, but, yeah, that’s it for me. 

“I’m proud of being a part of something for 16 years, but it is time to step away and stay away from playing with the national team.”

An incredible #USMNT career for St. Louis’ own.

— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) September 30, 2026

Ream sits 23rd in the USA’s all-time appearances chart, with Christian Pulisic (90) the only active player above him in that list. 

He made his senior international debut in 2010 and has appeared at two editions of the World Cup – in 2022 and 2026 – as well as one Copa America and three CONCACAF Gold Cups, losing two finals in the latter competition.

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