2030 World Cup: Adams Named New US Captain

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has appointed Tyler Adams as the team’s captain through the 2030 World Cup.

Pochettino announced the decision on Friday ahead of the United States’ friendly against Mexico in Arizona on Saturday, describing Adams as a natural choice to lead the squad.

The coach said his close working relationship with Adams over the past three years had given him confidence in the midfielder’s ability to lead the team and embody its values and culture.

Pochettino also praised Adams as a role model for his teammates and said he was capable of guiding the United States through the next phase of its development.

“I’m happy to announce and for everyone to know that he’s going to be our leader and captain,” Pochettino told reporters.

“We’ve had a very good relationship the last three years, and I think he knows what I expect.

“He’s a perfect role model for everyone in the way that he can translate the philosophy, the culture and represent (this) amazing country.

“He’s the player that can lead the period that we have ahead.”

Adams, who plays for English Premier League side Bournemouth, is one of the more experienced members of the US squad.

The 27-year-old previously captained the United States at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under former coach Gregg Berhalter.

Veteran defender Tim Ream had been named captain for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, but announced his retirement from international football earlier this week.

Adams will wear the captain’s armband for Saturday’s meeting with Mexico and said he wanted to help build a winning culture within the team.

Reflecting on his first spell as captain at the 2022 World Cup, Adams said he had gained significant experience both on and off the pitch since then.

He noted that the 2022 squad was among the youngest at the tournament and said the intervening years had helped him develop further as a player and leader.

Adams also stressed that becoming captain would not change his approach or personality within the team, saying he intended to remain the same person regardless of wearing the armband.

“In 2022, obviously we were a very young team, I think one of the youngest at the World Cup, and although I think I was ready for that role, at the same time I’ve had the ability to grow on and off the field in the period up to now,” Adams said.

“Getting the armband doesn’t mean anything to me in being a leader or being different from who I am, I’m going to be the exact same person.”