Not many national teams rely heavily on players approaching 40 years old, but the US National Team is one of those rare exceptions.
Tim Ream is back in the USMNT fold as the program prepares for its penultimate window of 2025. The former longtime Fulham defender, who has remained a consistent performer for Charlotte FC, has made 11 appearances for the USMNT this year and will wear the captain’s armband in 10 games.
With Ream as the elder statesman of the squad, his experience is certainly valuable to the younger defenders and players.
“When I think of Tim, I think of Poise, I think of leadership, I think of control in every aspect,” USMNT midfielder Cristian Roldan said of Ream during a press conference Monday. “He brings a different look to the team, and he creates a really good environment, a really welcoming environment for a lot of guys, and that’s the kind of leader we need.”
Ream has made 30 appearances for Charlotte FC this season, while also adding his 11 USMNT caps to his lengthy stat list. The 38-year-old has shown zero signs of slowing down for club or country, and remains a viable option for next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson and Cameron Carter-Vickers may be younger options on defense, but Ream is ready to do what it takes to play a role in the USMNT heading into a highly anticipated 2026.
“I have always maintained that I will push myself to the absolute maximum and get every ounce of playing time I can out of my body and my mind,” Ream said. “That’s what I’m going to keep doing. I’m going to keep pushing to become a starter.
“If I’m the old guy in the corner passing out orange slices and giving pep talks to these guys, then okay, I still contributed something to the team environment in the culture,” Ream added. “But my goal and my goal is to start games.”
Ream’s impact has not only helped him remain a leader during Mauricio Pochettino’s time as head coach. He has also helped play an inspirational role for other veterans in the squad, such as Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan.
Roldan, whose September appearances were his first in USMNT colors since 2023, has credited Ream’s tireless work rate with helping him not give up on his ongoing goals of being a leader for the program.
“He has revived his national team career at an older age,” Roldan said of Ream. “It gave me a little bit more added motivation to come back here with the team, to really believe that I could get here. He’s an example that you can not only play at a very high level, but keep it up throughout your career.”
Both Ream and Roldan will aim for Ecuador and Australia in the next seven days.
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