Tim Ream Opens Up on Anxiety and World Cup Hopes

Tim Ream, USMNT defender and veteran leader, knows what it feels like to be both unshakeable on the pitch and shaken by anxiety off it. As he prepares for another World Cup campaign with the United States Men’s National Team, Ream’s story is a powerful reminder that even the steadiest athletes can face moments of doubt—and that’s perfectly normal.

Tim Ream’s Journey: From Doubt to Determination

For Ream, anxiety isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a familiar visitor, one that he’s learned to recognize and manage over a decorated career. The symptoms—racing heart, tight throat, restless thoughts—came flooding back when USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter called to invite him to the 2022 World Cup squad. At 35, after more than a year away from national team duties, Ream was stunned. The call triggered a wave of excitement, but also intense panic and sleepless nights.

He recalls, “There are so many thoughts that just run through your head all of a sudden. Suddenly it’s on top of you. You’re thinking about scenarios before they even happen… My brain was frazzled. I went to bed that night and I don’t think I actually slept.”

USMNT Veteran: Experience Doesn’t Eliminate Fear

Now 37, Ream is often cast as the USMNT’s calming force, a steady hand guiding a youthful squad. But he’s candid: experience doesn’t mean immunity to nerves or anxiety. “I still get those nerves before big games. I still have those moments of doubt and anxiousness,” he admits. As the next World Cup looms, the stakes—and emotions—only intensify.

For Ream and his teammates, these feelings are part of the journey. The World Cup is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with anticipation, excitement, and, at times, fear. “Legacies can be written in World Cups, and I’m hoping to have one final chapter,” he says, embracing both the thrill and the pressure that comes with the world’s biggest stage.

Tim Ream’s Legacy: Beyond the Pitch

But Tim Ream’s influence extends beyond his defensive skills. He is a founder of Virtual Soccer Schools, a program that connects him with young players and allows him to discuss topics often ignored in football, such as mental wellness and emotional health. In his youth, conversations about anxiety and self-doubt were rare. Today, Ream sees value in breaking the silence.

“Why not?” he asks. “What’s the point of keeping everything inside? Why let it eat you up? We all go through the same feelings and we don’t just deal with them differently because we’re professional athletes.”

Ream’s openness is reshaping the culture within US soccer, encouraging players to support one another both on and off the field. As he continues his work with Virtual Soccer Schools, he hopes to inspire the next generation to embrace their emotions and seek help when needed.

USMNT Veterans and the Importance of Mental Health

Tim Ream’s honesty about anxiety sets a vital example for his teammates and fans alike. In the world of professional football, where toughness is often equated with stoicism, Ream’s transparency is refreshing. He knows that mental strength isn’t about never feeling fear, but about acknowledging it and pushing forward regardless.

For young athletes, and for fans watching at home, Ream’s story shows that pressure, excitement, and doubt are universal—whether you’re preparing for a World Cup or facing challenges in everyday life. As the USMNT gears up for its next global run, his leadership will be as valuable in the locker room as it is on the pitch.

Looking Ahead: Ream’s Final World Cup Chapter?

With another World Cup on the horizon, Tim Ream is focused on making every moment count. While he hopes for a triumphant run with the USMNT squad, he’s equally committed to leaving a legacy that goes beyond football—one that encourages openness, vulnerability, and authentic conversation.

Fans and players alike can take inspiration from Ream’s message: it’s OK to feel anxious or uncertain, even at the highest levels of sport. What matters most is how you respond and grow from those experiences.

For more news and updates on the World Cup, USMNT players, and inspiring football stories, visit for more news.

Opinion: Tim Ream’s Honesty Sets a New Standard

As a seasoned USMNT veteran, Tim Ream’s willingness to speak openly about anxiety is as impactful as his defensive prowess. In a culture where athletes are often expected to be unbreakable, Ream’s message normalizes vulnerability and mental health conversations. His leadership, both on and off the field, is a model for the next generation—proving that strength lies not in denying our emotions, but in embracing them.