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'Not Guaranteed Another Call Up'- Tim Ream Issues Reality Check To USMNT Stars

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 10:57 AM ET

The USMNT is automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup. For the first time, the tournament will be played in three different countries - USA, Canada and Mexico - and all co-host nations are qualified.

That doesn't mean there's no work to do in between. Ever since the USMNT fell short on the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, many changes happened, and one of the most important was bringing Mauricio Pochettino to be the manager ahead of the next tournament. The Argentinian coach was ahead of Tottenham for five years; then PSG for 18 months; and Chelsea for one season before joining the USMNT.

With arguably one of the most talented generations in the national men's team history, the squad will feature young stars and experienced player, the 37-year-old captain Tim Ream does not take his role for granted. Heading to probably the last year of his career in 2026, the USMNT continues to improve to have a chance at reaching the playoffs in the World Cup.

"It's just conveying the message that this is special. To play with your national team is an honor and privilege, and it's not something we can take for granted. You're not guaranteed another call-up."

"To play with your national team is an honor and privilege and it's not something we can take for granted. You're not guaranteed another call-up." @JennyTaft spoke with Tim Ream ahead of the USMNT's Gold Cup match vs Haiti ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/GwBpkorcoI
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 21, 2025

Who will play for the USMNT in the 2026 World Cup?

Ever since Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard paved the way for North-American soccer players to be recognized worldwide, young American stars have been appearing in Europe's top clubs.

If the last call-up for the national team (2025 Gold Cup) is the one for the World Cup, then we would have:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freeze (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG);

DEFENDERS (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/GER), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC);

MIDFIELDERS (9): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union); Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED);

FORWARDS (5): Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht/NED), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Damion Downs (FC Köln/GER), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps), Haji Wright (Coventry City);

If you are missing names like Weston McKinney, Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic, don't worry: both Weston and Tim are with Juventus playing at the Club World Cup. Meanwhile, Pulisic is on vacation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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