The United States men’s national team opens Group D play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday night against Paraguay at Inglewood, California’s SoFi Stadium.
Though no current Red Bull New York players were named to the 48 teams vying for the World Cup Trophy, the MLS side has produced and developed several stars on Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-player USMNT roster.
Here are the three players with Red Bull New York connections who will proudly represent the Stars and Stripes on home soil throughout the World Cup.
Tim Ream (C) — Defender
With the world watching, veteran defender Tim Ream will lead out the United States as captain.
The 38-year-old who currently plays for Charlotte FC made his MLS debut with Red Bull New York on March 27, 2010. He was named Red Bulls Defender of the Year in 2010 and was nominated for the 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year, as his steady performances helped New York finish atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Ream took part in 65 matches across all competitions for the Red Bulls before he sealed a move to Bolton Wanderers in January 2012.
Since debuting for the USMNT senior team in 2010, Ream has gone on to make 82 national team appearances. He trails only star attacker Christian Pulisic (86) as the most capped player in the 2026 World Cup squad.
His experience, calmness on the ball and positional sense will be vital along the back line of Pochettino’s expected 4-2-3-1 formation.
Tyler Adams — Midfielder
Before he fully blossomed into a Premier League star for Leeds United and Bournemouth, Tyler Adams progressed through the Red Bull New York academy and made his MLS debut on March 25, 2017.
His rapid progress earned him his first USMNT senior cap months later, on November 14, 2017. He has gone on to make 54 national team appearances.
Adams’ impact in the heart of midfield helped New York capture the 2018 MLS Supporters’ Shield. The Wappingers Falls, New York native made 81 appearances for the Red Bulls before he moved to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in January 2019.
He was named Male U.S. Soccer Player of the Year in 2022 and captained the United States at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Adams twice helped the United States win the Concacaf Nations League in 2021 and 2024. His 45th-minute goal opened the scoring in the 2-0 victory over rivals Mexico in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League final.
The 27-year-old defensive midfielder will be counted on to break up opposition attacks throughout the 2026 World Cup with his tenacity and ball-winning abilities.
Timothy Weah — Winger/Wing-Back
Timothy Weah spent multiple seasons in the Red Bull New York academy before he moved to the youth academy of Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Weah eventually broke through into the PSG first team and made his professional debut on March 3, 2018. The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Olympique de Marseille from Serie A club Juventus.
Since he broke through into the USMNT senior team on March 27, 2018, Weah helped the United States capture a trio of Concacaf Nations League titles in 2021, 2023 and 2024.
He enters the 2026 World Cup with 51 national team caps. Weah offers versatility to line up at several positions along the right side, offering blistering pace and a high work rate.
USMNT Group D Schedule & How To Watch
The United States will kick off its World Cup campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
Their second match of the group stage will occur on June 19 at Seattle’s Lumen Field against Australia. Kick off in Seattle is scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Time.
The final group stage match will take place on June 25 against Türkiye at SoFi Stadium. It is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
All USMNT group stage matches will be broadcast on FOX and Telemundo.
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