A debate has raged across the summer of 2025 as Mauricio Pochettino decides on who will wear the captain's armband at the pivotal FIFA World Cup next summer.
The leadership position will come with enormous responsibility and weight, as the United States men look to play out a historic tournament on home soil. Performance at the competition is expected to have a massimpact ive on the perception of soccer in the United States for decades to come.
Christian Pulisic has most often been named captain in recent years, but his candidacy for the position has come under fire after he decided to rest over the summer instead of joining the team for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
AllSportsPeople spoke exclusively to former USMNT star and occasional captain Clint Dempsey to shed light on the decision Pochettino has over the next year.
MORE: Who is the best USMNT player ever? Top 10 American soccer players of all-time
What makes a good USMNT captain?
Former USMNT captain Clint Dempsey is following the U.S. National Team closely since his retirement as one of the country's greatest-ever players.
In recent years, Dempsey has done work both as a pundit on television and as a guest on various talk shows, as well as traveling the country to help develop soccer in the United States. While in Chicago looking to discover talented soccer players for the Abbott Dream Team, Dempsey spoke exclusively to AllSportsPeople about the current USMNT captaincy heading into the World Cup next summer.
"First of all, the coach needs to believe in you, and he has to think that you've got his back in tough times and that you're a good representation of the pulse of the team," Dempsey said. "A good captain is someone who's able to have those tough conversations with the coach on behalf of the players about what they need more of and less of, to be able to have that dialogue and be the voice of the team."
"Also, you've got to be someone who can do it week in and week out. You've got to be someone that has a certain respect from other teams that you're the one representing [your players], just like it's important to have a good coach that represents you, that they [the opponents] know 'damn, we're going to be in for a tough day because they're going to fight tooth and nail.'"
While Dempsey would not name a player in the USMNT setup who most exemplified those qualities, he was hopeful that Pochettino can find someone to fill the position.
"It's ultimately up to the coach to make that decision and what he thinks is best, but I think it's neat to have a mix of someone that leads by example when your back's against the wall and fights for you, has the pulse of the team, has the coach's back and the coach also has him, and is not afraid to have that conversations with the coach about what the team needs."
I spoke to Clint Dempsey today about what makes a good #USMNT captain.
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) July 17, 2025
“You’ve got to be someone who can do it week in and week out.”
Says they need a “mix of someone that leads by example…and has the pulse of the team.”
Is that Pulisic? Adams? Richards? Someone else? Pic.twitter.com/le93LJpSto
Dempsey named former Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy as the best captain he played under, as both joined Fulham in 2007 and spent five years at the club.
"He was someone that the coaches respected, he would have your back, he wasn't afraid to have those tough conversations," Dempsey said. "He was someone who was very knowledgeable about the game and if you asked him questions, there was a way he could talk about it with you that you felt like you both would figure it out together.
"I learned a lot from him when I played over there, and it helped me grow up and become a complete player."
Dempsey points to former Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy as the best captain he played under.
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) July 17, 2025
"He was someone that the coaches respected, he would have your back, he wasn't afraid to have those tough conversations.”
Both were at Fulham 2007-2012. Pic.twitter.com/qv8HkeJKnv
Who should be USMNT captain at the 2026 World Cup?
There are a number of candidates for Mauricio Pochettino to consider for USMNT captain.
The most obvious choice is Christian Pulisic, who is still widely considered the team's best player and has worn the armband consistently in recent years. "Captain America" has been named skipper 28 times in his 78 international caps, with most of those coming since the start of 2023.
However, the 26-year-old caused debate with his withdrawal from call-up consideration at the 2025 Gold Cup, as many critics have claimed he did not show the necessary dedication to the squad required of the position.
Another natural candidate is Tyler Adams, who is known as a vocal leader within the USMNT squad and is often chosen for media responsibilities thanks to his well-spoken demeanour and passion. Adams has been captain on 13 occasions through his first 50 caps, including in all four games at the 2022 World Cup.
The 26-year-old had some strong words after the Gold Cup concluded, which could be considered a push for his own captaincy. "To be quite frank with you, I was happy that I was even able to make it through the tournament," he said to CBS Golazo America. "Was my body in position to play at the highest level come Gold Cup? No chance, but I know I have to be there to try and support these boys."
One player who has risen to a leadership position over the past year or two is center-back Chris Richards, who is considered a lock to start at the World Cup if available. Hailed for his Gold Cup performances, Richards has worn the armband twice before, both in friendlies, but he was a major presence in the young Gold Cup squad and is seen by the fans as a likable character.
Richards' defensive partner this summer, Tim Ream, wore the armband throughout the Gold Cup, but at 37 years old, it's unclear whether he will even be considered for selection at the World Cup next summer. Goalkeeper Matt Turner is considered a leader in the dressing room but may have lost his starting spot to Matt Freese.