​Tim Ream praised the fan engagement and atmosphere during the U.S. team’s home World Cup matches in an exclusive interview with PEOPLEThe U.S. team was eliminated after a loss to Belgium on July 6Ream hopes to build on the momentum of soccer’s popularity in the U.S. following the 2026 World Cup amid the return of MLSU.S. Men’s National Team captain Tim Ream is sharing “the coolest thing” about playing in a home World Cup.“It was an incredible experience, you know, I think that the guys really embraced what it is to play in a home World Cup,” Ream, 38, tells PEOPLE exclusively at the ESPY Awards at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on Wednesday, July 15, in New York City.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I think it’s such a unique opportunity,” Ream shares. “And one that we really enjoyed. Obviously the tournament is still going on, a lot of excitement around it, but I think the coolest thing was seeing how engaged and how amazing the fan experience was over the course of the last couple of weeks.”Belgium defeated the U.S. on July 6 in a 4-1 match held in Seattle. Belgium took the lead early, scoring the first goal just nine minutes into the game.The defeat came after FIFA reinstated U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who previously received a red card suspension after the U.S. clinched a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1.Balogun, 25, was initially ejected after becoming entangled with Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic, after he appeared to inadvertently step on his ankle.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBalogun was sent off and handed a one-game suspension. On July 5, FIFA overturned the initial ruling, clearing the way for Balogun to rejoin the team for what would become the U.S.’s final 2026 World Cup match.Tim Ream #13 of USA concentrates during the international friendly match between United States and Germany at Soldier FieldCredit: Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via GettyWhen asked about the return of Major League Soccer (MLS) following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Ream, who plays center-back for Charlotte FC, says he hopes to “capitalize” on the community of soccer fans formed this summer.Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!“[With] how much soccer has been played here in the country, and the eyes of the world and the sport have been here, [we are] obviously looking to piggyback off of that,” Ream says.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe adds, “We’ve got the All-Star Game coming up in two weeks’ time, and it’s a great experience, and one that’s unique and one we’re going to be looking to build on.”Read the original article on People