Tim Ream’s World Cup mindset: “Some days are easier than others”

With less than a month to go until the start of the 2026 World Cup, attention is beginning to turn from club soccer to this summer’s international tournament. The same is true of the players. Representatives of the United States, Mexico and Canada are preparing to make history in a World Cup on home soil and even the most experienced players are having to work hard to stop themselves getting carried away.

Now 38 years old, Tim Ream remains a key part of the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino. After more than a decade in England, Ream returned to MLS in 2024 with Charlotte FC. On Wednesday night Ream spoke to Apple TV ahead of Charlotte’s game against New York City FC and he admitted that the prospect of a home World Cup can be a real distraction at this point in the season.

“I’ve had a lot of conversations with guys after games and it is difficult,” Ream said. “You’ve got one eye on what will happen in a couple of weeks but at the same time you’ve got to stay focused on performing and playing well for your club.”

“So it’s a balance, and some days are easier than others, for sure. But for now the full focus is here, at the club, making sure that you’re doing everything that you can to put yourself in a position to be picked come next week.”

Ream ready for USMNT squad announcement

Pochettino will announce his final 26-man squad on May 26. The US head coach has used more than 60 players during his time in charge and he has brought genuine competition for places to the national team. That competition has meant that even the most experienced, most recognized players have had to settle for a spot on the substitutes bench at times.

With a place in the World Cup squad at stake, Ream told Apple TV that there is a real pressure to perform in every game. As the team gears up for a historic summer, Ream said: “The way that I look at it, and the way that I try to reframe it, is to think that there’s so many people who would love to be in this position. If there wasn’t pressure then we’re probably not doing the right things.”

Ream has been the most-used player across Pochettino’s 24 games in charge of USMNT, with 1,557 minutes clocked under the Argentinian coach. His experience, leadership and on-ball qualities make him a potential starter at this summer’s tournament. Ream revealed that he is in regular contract with Pochettino’s team, even at this late stage in the preparations.

“We’re touching base every so often. We all know that they’re watching, they’re paying close attention, they’re in contact with the clubs and different departments; the performance, the medical, the coaching staff. So for us the message has been: ‘Focus on the club, make sure you’re in the best physical condition, and do what you need to do there. The rest of it will come naturally.’ You have to worry about the day-to-day, about what’s in front of you, before looking too far ahead."

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