Tyler Adams ready to rival Christian Pulisic for USMNT armband at 2026 World Cup

Adams was asked to lead his country at FIFA’s flagship event in 2022. He embraced that responsibility in Qatar, but has endured several injury setbacks since then. That has allowed international colleagues to stake their own claims for leadership roles.

Pulisic, who is starring for Serie A giants AC Milan, is among those to have taken the armband. Said accessory was passed in the direction of veteran defender Tim Ream for a disappointing CONCACAF Nations League semi-final defeat to Panama.

Adams hopes that he is in the mix to become captain again as the United States continue down a road that will lead to a home World Cup next summer. Mauricio Pochettino is, as head coach, the man charged with the task of settling on one go-to skipper.

Adams has told FIFA’s official website of potentially inheriting the armband once more: “It would mean a lot. I truly believe in my ability to lead. I know that my teammates have belief in me as a leader. But I also know that we have a lot of good leaders who lead in different ways.

“Whichever way that goes, I want to be captain, of course, and I think it would be an amazing opportunity to do it on home soil. But it's hard to predict what will happen 18 months from now.”

Adams will hope to have plenty of domestic action under his belt by the time another major tournament rolls around, with the 26-year-old midfielder recovering from his fitness issues to take in 22 appearances for Premier League side Bournemouth this season.