Tyler Adams, 23, expected to be named USA captain for the World Cup in Qatar 

Tyler Adams is reportedly set to be named as the USA captain for the World Cup in Qatar.

The midfielder, 23, is going to be awarded the armband by coach Gregg Berhalter, according to FOX Sports.

Their report adds that Berhalter allowed his team to vote on who should take on the captaincy for the tournament and it is Adams who came out on top. It adds that Berhalter plans to confirm the call officially at a Sunday press conference in Qatar.

USA starts its World Cup on Monday against Wales in Group B, followed by games against England and Iran. Adams has played 32 times for the United States and has scored once.

He plays his club football for English Premier League team Leeds United. He was signed by American coach Jesse Marsch for the team in July, leaving German side RB Leipzig to head to England. 

Adams has impressed in his 13 appearances so far for Leeds but was sent off in his last game before the World Cup, which was a narrow 4-3 defeat to Tottenham.

Writing for The Athletic about the USA team ahead of the tournament, Marsch drew particular attention to Adams and his defensive skills.

Marsch said: ‘It’s one of the beauties of Tyler Adams. He takes pride in not allowing his defensive responsibilities to slip. 

‘And you need players that are committed to that — that are disciplined, focused, concentrated on exactly those strategies.’

Adams has worn the captain’s armband nine times for the USMNT prior to the World Cup.

He first wore it on June 9, 2021 in a 4-0 friendly win vs. Costa Rica.

Adams ascended to the USMNT first team through the ranks of the U-17 and U-20 squads.

He played in a World Cup at each of those levels, in Chile and South Korea respectively.

He made his debut for the USMNT senior squad on November 14, 2017, in a 1-1 friendly vs. Portugal.