United States squad gearing up for 'once in a career' opportunity on home soil
Speaking at the United States training camp in Irvine, California, the centre back acknowledged that the joint hosts were fully aware of the expectations around them, but stressed that the players themselves placed the highest demands on their own performances.
"This is a once in a career opportunity," Ream said during a press conference ahead of a public training session that drew over 5,000 fans under bright Southern California skies.
"With that comes greater expectation and more pressure, yet we must also relish it. Nobody places more expectation or pressure on us than we do ourselves."
The United States, who are jointly hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, will kick off their campaign in front of home fans, an event that several players described as both moving and inspiring.
Embrace everything
Ream, one of the team's most seasoned players, said he had urged his younger teammates to absorb the magnitude of the occasion rather than be overwhelmed by it.
"It's about simply opening your eyes and soaking it all in, because this is unique, this is different," he said. "Absorb it, delight in it, embrace everything that it is because it is so special, so remarkable, and it's something we shall never have the chance to do again."
Striker Folarin Balogun said that representing the United States at a home World Cup held particular significance given his international journey.
"I feel that my personal journey has come full circle," said Balogun, who was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents and relocated to London at just one month old.
"The chance to represent my country in front of a home crowd will be something truly special for me, my family, my friends, and the team."
Fantastic opportunity
Forward Ricardo Pepi said the team was trying to view the tournament not as a weight but as an opportunity to represent their country, their families, and one another.
"Ultimately, we regard this as a wonderful chance to play in front of our nation, in front of our people," Pepi said. "Setting aside some of the pressure, I believe we view it more as an opportunity."
Goalkeeper Matt Freese, reflecting on his journey to the squad, said the moment was the product of years of effort without any guarantees.
"You dream of this chance, you work for it, but you never know if it will arrive," Freese said.
"Pressure creates diamonds, and I believe we are a squad of 26 players who want to demonstrate that we are a collection of diamonds."