Veteran defender Tim Ream is setting his sights on a spot in the US Men’s National Team squad for the 2026 World Cup following his move back to the MLS with Charlotte FC, marking the end of his lengthy stint with Premier League outfit Fulham.
After spending nine years at Fulham, Ream made the decision to return to the US, mentioning that his family played a big role in the move. However, the 36-year-old has not lost sight of his ambition to don the red, white, and blue in the World Cup. “I think there is no reason that I should not be [considered],” said Ream. “I understand that playing is an important part of that. I’m not going to take myself out of the hat just because people want me to or people think I’m too old. I don’t see the point of that.”
Following the departure of head coach Gregg Berhalter, Ream expressed his neutrality towards the potential successor. “I don’t care, for me, whoever is there you have to perform, work hard and put your head down and do the things you don’t necessarily want to do every day,” he stated. “So whether it’s someone with pedigree, someone who is American, or someone from Mars, you’re still going to have to perform, train hard every day and prove yourself at your club and with the national team.”
Ream left MLS 12 years ago for Bolton Wanderers, having had previous spells with New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire. Reflecting on the progress of the domestic league during his time in England, Ream remarked, “It is so much further than when I first came in. Looking at it now, to where it was, it’s incredible. It is part of why I felt comfortable and ready to move back because it is at such a higher level now.”
The departure from Fulham was not an easy one for Ream, who described the decision as “emotional,” especially given the club’s desire for him to stay. “The day after the season finished, I sat down with Marco [Silva] and we had a good chat,” Ream revealed. “They wanted me to stay. They tried to push me to stay and really think about it. But, it’s not so much that if I get something in my head that I go for it, but I really think through things.”
As he embarks on this new chapter with Charlotte FC, Ream’s determination to earn his place in the USMNT setup remains unwavering, with the 2026 World Cup firmly in his sights. Time will tell if his experience and dedication will earn him a spot on the grandest stage of them all.
