The United States men's national team captain Tim Ream is calling on his teammates to seize what he calls a 'once-in-a-career' opportunity as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
Speaking from the team's training base in Irvine, California, the veteran defender acknowledged the weight of expectation but insisted the squad's internal drive is stronger than any external pressure.
Forward Folarin Balogun, born in Brooklyn and raised in London, described the chance to represent his nation on home soil as a full-circle moment for himself, his family, and his friends.
Striker Ricardo Pepi framed the tournament as an opportunity rather than a burden, emphasizing the privilege of playing for their country and their people.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese defined the squad's mindset as one of resilience: 'Pressure makes diamonds, and I think we're a group of 26 guys that wants to show that we're a bunch of diamonds.'
The US opens their campaign on Friday against Paraguay, marking their first match of the historic tournament on home ground.