Who are the current USMNT captains and who have been some of the iconic names to captain the USMNT side?
The USMNT has been one of the most improved national teams in world soccer. A country not known for its iconic laurels in soccer, or soccer as it’s called back home, the USA has finally assembled a team that can challenge some of the biggest European sharks in world soccer.
Gregg Berhalter’s men left a lasting impact at last year’s World Cup contested in Qatar and with the sensational tournament being hosted by the USA in 2026, the ‘Golden Generation’ could be the dark horses heading into the tournament.
Players like Weston Mckennie, Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah and Tyler Adams brought a new sense of hope and excitement to the hearts of the USMNT faithful who had been waiting to see a generation of soccer stars in their country.
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While American players have established themselves in leagues across Europe whether it’s Pulisic playing in Serie A, the Bundesliga and the Premier League or Sergino Dest playing in the Eredivisie and La Liga, this generation of American soccer has the power and potential to leave a lasting impact on future generations and be the heroes who pave the way for a sparkling football factory coming from the ranks.
While the team is full of stars who can turn the tide with individual brilliance, Gregg Berhalter has relied on a few specific players to lead the country and hold the team together through the ups and downs. Tyler Adams was appointed as the country’s captain in 2022 ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and when the midfielder was ruled out, Christian Pulisic and Matt Turner have filled in for Adams.
TARGET takes a look at all the current USMNT captains and those who have led the team in the past.
CURRENT USMNT CAPTAIN!
Tyler Adams has been named USMNT captain to lead his team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The national side’s ‘Golden Generation’ was tipped to gain vast experience and produce some inspiring performances with the event slated for home in 2026.
The Bournemouth midfielder was at the center of his side’s progress to the knockout stages of the tournament, where their fairytale run was halted by the Netherlands as La Oranje beat the USMNT 3-1.
But with the WC being hosted by the US in 2026, Adams would gain vast experience and become a key force in the USMNT engine room. Adams was also voted the 2022 USA Soccer Player of the Year after becoming the youngest captain since 1930 to lead the US team to the World Cup.
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With Adams currently nursing an injury, Greg Burhalter often juggles between two key players as his national team captain. Christian Pulisic and Matt Turner are the two names often seen wearing the armband for their country.
Pulisic rose to fame during his time in Germany when he scored a Bundesliga goal with Borussia Dortmund beating him at Chelsea. But the USMNT forward was unable to replicate his form in England as it was labeled a failed move by many pundits and fans.
Frustrated by the growing drama surrounding his presence at the club and tired of being pushed to the bench by multiple managers who took over at the English powerhouse, Pulisic moved to AC Milan in the 2023 summer transfer window.
Since his arrival in Italy, Pulisic has revived the scoring and is helping the Rossoneri fight for domestic and European glory. The American forward has four goals and two assists in the 2023/24 Serie A campaign and all his England woes could be put to bed if he turns in a superb goalscoring campaign for the Italian giants.
With Adams and Pulisic both injured, Berhalter turned to Turner to lead the USMNT team, awarding him the captain’s armband for his exploits in goal for the USMNT.
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Turner was awarded the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award during his tenure with the New England Revolutions as he established himself as one of the most heroic shot-stoppers to emerge from the country. Turner was rewarded with a contract with English heavyweights Arsenal as he joined the North London club in July 2022. Despite the Gunners having a strong roster of goalkeepers, the American international had opportunities in the UEFA Europa League and Premier League.
In August 2023, the experienced striker switched ships to join English side Nottingham Forest in search of minutes as he became Forest’s number 1 goal keeper.
After putting in some exciting performances in MLS and the Premier League, Turner earned his national call-up on 31 January 2021 against Trinidad and Tobago, where he put in a brave performance to keep a clean sheet on his maiden game and also deny Alvin Jones from penalty spot. In the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, the USMNT goalkeeper kept four clean sheets, helping his nation qualify for the event touted to be held in Qatar.
PAST USMNT CAPTAINS!
Former USMNT defender Carlos Bocanegra he is the most capped player for his country as the iconic defender started 64 games wearing the country’s armband. The two-time MLS Defender of the Year, Bocanegra captained his country in a friendly against China which his side won 4-1 as he continued to be a wall in the USMNT’s defensive structure.
Tony Meola he was a reliable shot-stopper under Bob Gansler during the 1990 and 1994 World Cups played in Italy and Brazil respectively. A first-choice goalkeeper, Meola won 100 caps for his national team and was like a brick wall protecting his country’s goal as he also captained the country in 55 matches.
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The list also includes legendary names like Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovanplayers who had put the USA on the soccer map and players who held a special place in the hearts of previous generations of the USMNT faithful.
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when Christian Pulisic wore the armband in the US tour of Trinidad and Tobago, the former Chelsea forward joined a distinguished list as he tied for places with Landon Donovan and Marcelo Balboa tied for 10th on the all-time USMNT captains list. The AC Milan forward has 28 goals in 64 appearances for his national team and is a powerful cog in an iconic battery for the USMNT and could be responsible for his country’s upgrade in the near future.