DOHA, Qatar — Tim Ream said he had “made peace” with the fact that he probably wouldn’t be going to Qatar but his stellar form for Fulham helped him secure a spot on the U.S. roster, and now he is on the verge of achieving his World Cup dream.
Ream, 35, hasn’t played for the U.S. since the opening game of World Cup qualifying back in September of 2021, a 0-0 draw in which he played well. Since then he had seen a slew of center backs preferred ahead of him, and a World Cup seemed unlikely and Ream accepted that.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
“I didn’t need to go to a World Cup to validate anything that I’ve done in my 12 years as a professional,” Ream told ESPN in an exclusive interview. “It wasn’t going to make or break me personally. I had made peace with [possibly not going], and accepted it.”
But injuries to Atlanta United‘s Miles Robinson, as well as Crystal Palace‘s Chris Richards created an opportunity, and a phone call from U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter two weeks ago hinted that a recall was possible.
“Along the way that, you need a little bit of help,” Ream said. “Unfortunately guys pick up injuries here and there, and, maybe that gives me the opportunity. But when that door opens, and you have to be playing well.”
Ream was only too happy to walk through it. Now he is in the mix to get on the field for the Americans’ World Cup opener on Nov. 21.
