Tyler Adams was named captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. At 23 years old, he is both the youngest World Cup captain for the USA since 1950 and the youngest of 32 captains in Qatar.
The Leeds United midfielder was omnipresent during CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, starting 12 matches and appearing in 13 of a possible 14. During that phase of the competition, he wore the captain’s armband seven times – most of any player. Other captains included Christian Pulisic (four times) and Walker Zimmerman (three times).
This captaincy decision was put to a vote and the 26-man squad elected Adams. That decision solidified a dream the Wappinger Falls, N.Y. native shared four years ago during an interview with Men in Blazers.
Thrilled by news Tyler Adams is going to captain United States at this World Cup. Here he is, baby-faced and 19, talking about that very act as his dream. Cannot imagine what he will feel leading his teammates out on Monday. Living out a role he was born for 🇺🇸🦅 pic.twitter.com/GXJCDqFReh
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) November 19, 2022
His club was quick to congratulate him on Twitter. Reporters and fans chimed in with context and celebrations.
©️🇺🇸 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮!
Congrats to @tyler_adams14, who has been named @USMNT captain for the 2022 @FIFAWorldCup! pic.twitter.com/PCAPJmK4EV— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 20, 2022
Tyler Adams named USMNT captain for the FIFA World Cup Finals at the age of 23. Undoubtedly a huge honour for him, and reflective of how he's regarded at club level and internationally, too. #lufc pic.twitter.com/tpvxtoEBe4
— Joe Donnohue (@JoeDonnohue) November 20, 2022
✅Youngest Captain Since 1950
✅First Black Captain in Major Tournament ✊🏾@tyler_adams14 is your Captain America#USMNT pic.twitter.com/hczYb9agyv— Aun Rahman (@aunrrahman) November 20, 2022
The 1950 USA World Cup squad had a different captain each match. Walter Bahr was 23 years old vs. Chile and Harry Keough was 22 vs. Spain. Though the USMNT failed to make it out of the group then, they did defeat England 1-0 in the first-ever match between the two nations. USA faces England on November 26 at 2 p.m. ET.
