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After enduring a disappointing season with AC Milan, Christian Pulisic will not serve as captain of the United States national team at the 2026 World Cup.

AC Milan’s disastrous campaign in the 2025–2026 season continues to cast a shadow over Pulisic as he heads into the global tournament.

The Rossoneri had started the season strongly, but their form collapsed in the second half of the competition.

Once considered a serious contender for the Serie A title and a near-certainty for a Champions League 2026–2027 berth, Milan ultimately finished only good enough for a Europa League spot.

This downturn has also taken its toll on one of their star players, Christian Pulisic.

The forward, born on 18 September 1998, no longer seems fitting to carry the “Captain America” moniker—at least not for the 2026 World Cup.

Having first worn the captain’s armband for the United States in 2018, Pulisic has now officially lost that honor for the upcoming tournament.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that he has overlooked Pulisic and instead handed the captaincy to defender Tim Ream for the 2026 World Cup.

Ream has frequently captained the team since Pochettino took charge of the U.S. squad in 2024.

“What I want to say is that I’m grateful to have him with us,” Pochettino stated when introducing Ream as the team’s captain during a press conference on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

“He’s an outstanding captain—not only on the pitch but, more importantly, off it as well.”

“I believe he has the experience and leadership qualities we need—a positive leader,” Pochettino added.

“For me, one of the most important things is maintaining good relationships with the players.”

“Tim has a remarkable voice in the team, and we’re fortunate to have someone with his personality and character.”

“This is more than a dream come true,” Tim Ream responded.

“I’ve done everything possible to be part of this group of players and to help it progress.”

“I’m deeply grateful to be sitting here, receiving this honour.”

Pochettino emphasised that appointing the Charlotte FC defender as captain was entirely his own decision and not the result of a player vote.

In terms of appearances, Christian Pulisic actually has more caps for the United States than Tim Ream. Pulisic has featured 84 times, while Ream has made 80 appearances.

Pulisic is, in fact, the most seasoned player in the U.S. squad in terms of caps.

However, the former Chelsea player must accept that he will not wear the armband for the U.S. team in the 2026 World Cup.

This outcome is partly a consequence of his role in AC Milan’s decline last season.

After scoring eight goals in the first half of the campaign, Pulisic failed to find the net again after the turn of the year.

Given his inconsistent performance and recurring injury issues, Pochettino’s choice to entrust the captaincy to another player seems entirely justified.