USA captain Tim Ream’s reaction to Donald Trump’s World Cup phone call has caused a stir on social media after the president delivered one final rallying call ahead of the team’s opener against Paraguay on Friday night. The USMNT have high hopes of making their mark on the tournament this summer, with Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie among their standout stars.

With Australia and Turkiye making up the rest of Group D, the Stars and Stripes could yet spring a surprise by reaching the knockout stages, although that is likely where the FIFA world No. 17 side would face a much sterner test. That hasn’t stopped Trump from talking up their chances, however.

In a phone call with Mauricio Pochettino and the squad, the White House leader insisted the United States have every chance of going all the way, expressing confidence in both the coach and the star quality at his disposal. Throughout the conversation, the former Tottenham manager appeared grateful for the words of encouragement and support.

USMNT Captain Tim Ream’s Reaction to Trump’s World Cup Call

‘Gratitude’ perhaps wasn’t a word that could be used to describe Ream’s reaction to the phone call, though, with many football fans quickly noticing how uninspired the former Premier League defender looked throughout the video. One X user wrote (watch the full phone call below):

“I’ve always liked Tim Ream,” a second added, while a third continued: “Tim Ream is all of us here.” Elsewhere, another account wrote: “USMNT Captain Tim Ream refuses to acknowledge Trump phone call,” as a fifth concluded: “Tim Ream was fighting for his life to avoid saying something mean, I love him.”

Donald Trump’s World Cup Vilification Continues After Opening Matches

While Russia and Qatar used the previous two World Cups to present themselves in a positive light, the same cannot be said for the United States under Trump in recent months. An inaugural FIFA “Peace Prize” awarded to him in December has since been followed by a series of political tensions.

From Venezuelan government kidnappings and threats of excessive force towards NATO over Greenland’s occupancy, to ongoing visa issues that have left players, coaches, referees and fans struggling to enter the country, his influence on the build-up to the tournament has been heavily criticised.

Attendance figures have also raised concerns, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino has urged everyone to “chill” amid the chaos. Whether Ream is a supporter of the Trump administration or not is anyone’s guess, but one thing is clear – much of the football world appears unconvinced, to put it lightly.

English referee Michael Oliver has pulled out of his first World Cup fixture, as he was set to take charge of the Ivory Coast‘s match against Ecuador. FIFA have since released a statement clarifying the matter.

There has been plenty of focus on referees already in the early stages of the tournament. Before a ball had even been kicked, international headlines were made when Somali official Omar Artan was denied entry into the US despite having a visa. Adding to that, in the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, there were three red cards – which is just one fewer than shown in the entirety of Qatar 2022.

Adding to the drama, Premier League referee Oliver will miss his first match of the 2026 World Cup.

Premier League Referee Michael Oliver Will Miss World Cup Fixture

The experienced official has now been replaced for the Group E clash between Ivory Coast and Ecuador, which will take place on 15 June in Philadelphia. Oliver has suffered a ‘minor’ injury, which will keep him from doing his job for one game, but he is expected to be fit again soon.

A statement from FIFA, via the Sun, explained that Francois Letexier, from France, will replace the Englishman:

Oliver’s British Team Have Been Replaced as Well

As a result of his injury, Oliver’s team have all been replaced. Indeed, Brits Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring would have been running the line but Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni have beem called up instead, to work alongside the experienced Letexier.

However, Saudis Khalid Alturais and Mohammed Alabakrv keep their place as fourth official and reserve assistant.

Oliver has refereed at a World Cup before, covering three games at Qatar 2022, but will likely be sad to miss the game. Not only for professional reasons, but the Ashington-born official could miss out on a huge sum due to his injury.

Indeed, referees are expected to make around £75,000 for their involvement in the tournament, a figure that represents roughly double what officials were paid at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil – and that’s before bonuses. It remains unclear how much exactly Oliver would have been paid for the game between the Ivory Coast and Ecuador, but referees retained for the knockout rounds will earn more at each successive stage.

Anthony Taylor is the other English referee who will take charge of games this summer. The two Premier League officials are understood to have earned in the region of £250,000 for their work this season, and that’s before taking into account what is on offer at the World Cup.

With the summer transfer window now just days from officially opening, Manchester United are putting their plans into action for a busy few months in the market.

The Red Devils have worked particularly hard to get ahead of their rivals in the race for midfielders, with Ederson already agreeing a deal to join the club from Atalanta.

Work is underway to sign Matues Fernandes from West Ham, while other targets from the middle of the park are also being considered for an important season that is just around the corner.

The midfield has been a key area of focus, but so too is left-back, where Man United have traditionally been light on options after several injury concerns for Luke Shaw over the years.

The defender has recovered well since, featuring plenty for the club last season, but the challenge escalates when the return to the Champions League is factored into the intense schedule of next campaign.

With that in mind, Newcastle star Lewis Hall has emerged as a target, but there is another Premier League ace who is now on Man United’s radar to fill the left-back role.

Man United Want Antonee Robinson

Kirby Lee (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

As Manchester United line up options to fill the left-back position for next season, they face a potentially hefty fee to land the heavily-linked Hall this summer.

That could see them pivot to Antonee Robinson instead, as Sky Sports reports that the Red Devils are showing interest in the USMNT international.

The 28-year-old has been a regular for Fulham in the Premier League since he made the switch from Wigan Athletic back in 2020, making over 200 appearances for the West London club.

Robinson’s current contract at Craven Cottage runs until 2028, meaning some clubs may sense an opportunity to land a deal before he enters the final year of his contract.

The report claims that the defender is expected to attract interest this summer, though it’s unclear whether he will be free to leave Fulham if an offer arrives.

Plenty could depend on the club’s next head coach, with Marco Silva’s exit at the end of his contract leaving the Cottagers in search of a new manager for the hot seat.

Either way, Man United could try their luck to land Robinson, who may see his stock rise even further during this summer.

World Cup Boost For Robinson

The World Cup is the sort of stage that allows perceptions to be shaped forever, and for Robinson, there is an opportunity to show just how good he really is.

The Fulham full-back will be on duty with the USMNT for their home World Cup, giving the chance to propel the nation forward to new heights in the biggest tournament ever.

Robinson has already been described as “world-class”, but that may not be the perception held elsewhere of a relatively solid Premier League star.

He has certainly shown his quality in the build-up to the tournament, scoring an incredible long-range effort for the USA against Germany in a pre-tournament friendly.

If he can perform to the top level that he is capable, then there is a chance that even more teams may be in the mix for the left-back this summer.

That could create quite the battle for Man United in the transfer market.