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Why is beating Mexico so 'important' for USMNT and Pochettino? (1:56)

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Tyler Adams will be the new captain of the United States men's national team, coach Mauricio Pochettino announced Friday.

The Bournemouth midfielder succeeds U.S. World Cup captain Tim Ream, who announced his retirement from international soccer prior to Tuesday's match between the U.S. and Chile in which the USMNT prevailed 4-2.

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"I think [we're] so happy to announce and for everyone to know that he's going to be our leader and our captain," Pochettino said about Adams at a news conference ahead of Saturday's friendly against Mexico.

"I think we've been [in] a very good relationship in the last two years. I think we were talking to a lot, and I think he knows what I expect and he's a perfect role model for everyone in the way that the philosophy, the future, representing that amazing country. I think he's the player and the person that can lead that period that we have ahead. And I [say] congratulations."

Adams, 27, previously captained the USMNT at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In addition to leading the U.S. into the knockout rounds, he deftly handled questions from Iranian media prior to the two teams' group stage encounter, won by the USMNT, 1-0. Now he is ready to lead the U.S. side once again.

"I'm extremely honored and grateful for the opportunity," Adams said during the same news conference. "I think that, like Mauricio said, we've obviously built an amazing relationship over the past two years with all the staff, with my teammates here, going into this past World Cup.

"And I think as we start a new cycle, I'm excited to be able to help my teammates and the staff in any way possible in order to win, grow the federation and ultimately take that next step. So I appreciate it."

Pochettino said the decision on the captaincy was his to make, but one that was made in conjunction with his staff, and that he informed the players of his decision yesterday. He also informed the USSF Board of Directors of his decision. When asked if Adams would be captain through the 2030 World Cup, Pochettino quipped he would, "If he behaved well." He then stated that Adams would be the captain going forward.

"I think it's important [for] the new staff to nominate or to have the chance to announce and everyone to know that Tyler is the perfect person, player and professional to be the leader in the way that we expect," Pochettino said.

"In the last few weeks that we were talking with him, he knows exactly what we expect from him. He need to challenge us, of course, the coaching staff. He needs to defend teammates. There's plenty of things that I think he has the quality and have the feelings to deal with this type of situation. Representing, like he said, the federation, players, but also us, the coaches, the staff. And I think he also is great at communicating with [the media], with the fans."

Adams added, that while he was ready for the role back in 2022, he has grown since his previous stint as captain both on and off the field, and has learned from captains at both club and international level, including Ream. That doesn't mean he'll take a different approach to the role.

"I think getting the armband, it 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. I'm going to try and obviously lead this group into a winning culture and continuing to build what we're trying to build here. So yeah, I want to represent my teammates in the best way possible."

As for Saturday's match, Pochettino said his lineup would continue to strike a balance between experienced and youthful players, as he is intent on managing the physical load that his roster is experiencing in this window. But he is also eager to see how his young charges fare in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd that will skew heavily towards fans of Mexico.

Unlike the 2026 cycle, when the U.S. automatically qualified as hosts, the USMNT will have to go through World Cup qualifying, and Pochettino feels that playing in front of such a crowd will aid the team's preparation.

"I think it start to live this type of adversity, is a good example," he said. "I celebrate to have this type of game, to play in a difficult atmosphere and I think that for sure is going to help for the future."