Tim Ream and Others Named in U.S. World Cup Soccer Squad

Tim Ream experienced waves of anxiety until his phone buzzed with a flurry of messages. As he packed bobbleheads for his kids on Friday afternoon, he received video confirmation of his inclusion in the U.S. World Cup team.

The 38-year-old defender, among 26 selected players, was notified via a group chat message from Sam Zapata, the U.S. national team's administrative manager. Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his excitement in the video, saying, "I am thrilled to announce your spot on the 2026 World Cup roster."

Veterans such as Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic were among those announced during a dramatic rooftop event against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge. Key players like Tanner Tessmann and Diego Luna were noticeably absent from the list, either due to form or recent injuries.

The unveiling aimed to highlight the team's ambition, emphasized by forward Christian Pulisic's passionate remarks: "If you're not nervous, you don't care. We care so much." The final roster, to be submitted by June 1, may yet change due to potential injuries.

(With inputs from agencies.)