Pochettino's Risky Call: Gio Reyna's Surprising Spot on USMNT World Cup Roster
Gio Reyna, the Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder, is set to represent the United States men's national team at his second consecutive World Cup. Despite being recognized as one of the world's top young talents in 2022, Reyna's last four years have been tumultuous, struggling for playing time while other players like Diego Luna have excelled in Major League Soccer. This decision by Mauricio Pochettino raises questions about Reyna's inclusion, especially given his limited playtime this season. Pochettino has emphasized the need for players to perform well at their clubs to be considered for the national team, yet Reyna has only logged 510 Bundesliga minutes this season, ranking him 19th among 26 American players in the top five European leagues. Despite this, Reyna's past performances, particularly his impactful goal against Paraguay in September 2025, highlight his potential to contribute significantly to the team. Reyna's skill and dribbling ability can enhance the attacking options for the USMNT, making him a potential game-changer even from the bench. With friendlies against Germany and Senegal approaching, Pochettino will have the chance to evaluate Reyna's fitness. Off the pitch, Reyna has shown maturity, expressing his willingness to accept any role on the team. After a controversial 2022 that involved family disputes over his playing time, he now focuses on supporting the team, stating, "[I'm] just really trying to do whatever I can to help the team achieve something great." As the roster announcement approaches, the final USMNT lineup remains uncertain, but Reyna's inclusion reflects Pochettino's strategy and may significantly impact his legacy as the team's manager.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-23