USMNT's Tim Ream is Still Fuming After Loss to Germany
The United States has extra motivation before playing Paraguay on Friday for their first game of the Group D stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The USMNT defense quickly folded against Germany during their friendly competition on Saturday, conceding a goal to Kai Havertz in the second minute.
Antonee Robinson responded before the end of the first half to tie the contest at 1-1, but Leroy Sané put Germany 2-1 up for good with a goal in the 57th minute.
More News: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Slams Ole Miss for ‘Basket Weaving' Degree
More News:Cardinals Must Play Carson Beck Sooner Rather Than Later
On Monday, USMNT defender Tim Ream didn't seem over the loss to Germany, saying he was “not happy” with giving up two goals to Germany.
“I think there’s always room and areas to improve,” Ream said, via ESPN. “Obviously not happy with goals conceded. I think that’s always a big one that everybody, including ourselves, would look at. Connections and communication can always be even better than they are and that solves a lot of problems.
“We’ll look at video over the next couple of days and understand where we can be tighter, where we can be more connected. But if you look at the Germany game [there was] improvement. We’ll look at areas and make sure that everything’s tightened and buttoned up.”
The USMNT gave up two goals in each game of its three final friendly contests against Germany, Senegal and Portugal. The United States only win came in a 3-2 win over Senegal on May 31. The defense was gashed in a 5-2 loss to Belgium on March 28.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino noted the team had communication issues against Belgium and Portugal. The team will need to get on the same page if it hopes to move past the Group D stage this month.
The U.S. did have good news for defender Chris Richards, who made his debut as a full participant at practice on Monday after suffering an ankle injury when he was playing for Crystal Palace on May 17. He tore two ligaments against Brentford.
The defense is going to have to make an immediate improvement before taking on Paraguay on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California. Paraguay defeated Nicaragua 4-0 on Friday in its final friendly competition before the World Cup.
It remains to be seen if Richards will return to the starting lineup for Friday. If healthy, he would be a big boost to the ailing defense.
For more on the USMNT and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, head to Newsweek Sports.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 9:20 PM.