The USMNT defender discussed the team’s journey under the Argentine coach’s leadership and the winning mentality he has instilled.
The United States men’s national team return to action in less than a month’s time for the Concacaf Nations League, where Mauricio Pochettino’s squad will face Panama in the semifinals. The matchup is particularly significant as the Argentine coach made his coaching debut with Team USA against the same opponents.
But that was only a friendly. The stakes are much higher this time, with a place in the Nations League final and a continued path toward the 2026 World Cup on the line. USMNT defender Tim Ream recently discussed this process in an interview with fifa.com, highlighting Pochettino’s efforts to instill his vision and strategy into the team.
Pochettino gives the USMNT focus
In the interview, Ream emphasized that the work Pochettino is doing in preparation for the 2026 World Cup will eventually yield results and benefit the team as they gear up to host the tournament.
“[Pochettino] just brings an intensity and a focus in everything that he does, and he translates that into the players. Over the first couple of camps, that’s what we’ve seen and it’s been evident. He’s going to continue that. He’s going to evolve us. He’ll improve us in the way we want to play, in our transitions, movements, and rotations, trying to confuse opposition with different setups. He’s going to lead the evolution of who we are as players and as a nation,” the center-back explained.
Tim Ream could call time on his career after the 2026 World Cup
Ream, who has made 66 appearances for the USMNT, hopes he will be in consideration for next summer’s World Cup. And with the United States hosting the tournament, it would be the perfect stage to bring his 17-year career full circle.
“It would be everything,” says Ream. “It would be the cherry on top of a really great career, a proud moment, and something that I’m aiming for. If that were to happen, it would be a top personal achievement, and also something that is a culmination of 17 years of playing this game”.