For a deep run with USMNT in this summer’s World Cup, he may have to be exceptional.
ATLANTA — Mauricio Pochettino has preached that club form matters, promised players must be playing to get picked for the World Cup . Highly talented but hardly available, Reyna has logged just 26 minutes this year.
That’s not a typo. But it is a trend. The midfielder has barely seen the field for Borussia Mönchengladbach the past two months, but still got called into USMNT camp for two friendlies: Saturday against Belgium and Tuesday vs. Portugal. “Yeah, it’s always easier when you’re playing week in and week out. My case is not like that,” Reyna admitted. “Fortunate and, of course, always honored and happy to be back in with the coach’s trust. But yeah, if the opportunity comes up, I still feel very prepared to make an impact this camp on the field.” United States’ Gio Reyna celebrates his goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Paraguay, Nov. 15, 2025, in Chester, Pa.USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino longing for return to Premier League And while injuries have robbed Reyna, still just 23, of playing time and opportunities to develop, his ability to unlock a defense in a moment of magic is unmatched on this roster when he’s at his best. It’s that last caveat that’s the rub. Since his November 2020 debut, Reyna has 34 caps and has excelled with nine goals and six assists. But groin and thigh injuries hindered his playing time, first at Borussia Dortmund and now Mönchengladbach. And in the last World Cup, attitude andGio Reyna of the United States shoots the ball during the USMNT training at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on March 26, 2026 in Marietta, Georgia.Now Berhalter has been replaced, Reyna has put that fiasco behind him and Pochettino has liked what he’s seen in the midfielder. “We really know that he’s a very special talent and a very special player,” Pochettino has said. “And I think to give the possibility, even if it’s not playing too much in his club, it can be very useful for us.” Behind standouts Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, there are other attacking midfielders such as Malik Tillman and Brenden Aaronson. But Reyna offers a unique spark. “Me and Mauricio have a great relationship, speak often,” Reyna said. “He keeps the vibes and energy in this group and in this camp amazing. It’s always an honor to come back. Understanding the club situation, I guess you could say it was one of his more difficult decisions, or controversial decisions, to bring me in. “Can’t appreciate it enough. Love this team, love this staff, love this group. So just honored to be here. And at the same time, I feel prepared, regardless of the playing time situation at club. So if the chance comes up in the next two games, I have confidence in myself that I can do some good things and make an impact to help.” Reyna has logged just 398 minutes in 13 Bundesliga appearances this season, with only two cameos in 2026. But after being left off the USMNT roster for most of last year’s games, Reyna was impressive in November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay. He logged 75 strong minutes and tallied the opener in the former game, and set up Tanner Tessmann’s goal in a 5-1 rout in the latter. Gio Reyna of the United States kicks the ball during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the Netherlands and the United States, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.“I just get a good and confident feeling from the people here, and the staff want me to be myself, want me to enjoy my game, enjoy my playing. So, it’s simple,” Reyna said. “Of course, there’s guidelines that he wants me to stay within reason, but he gives a lot of freedom to the attacking players, and we really appreciate this because most attackers enjoy freedom.” Mike Vaccaro United States' Gio Reyna celebrates his goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Paraguay, Nov. 15, 2025, in Chester, Pa.Gio Reyna of the United States shoots the ball during the USMNT training at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on March 26, 2026 in Marietta, Georgia.Gio Reyna of the United States kicks the ball during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the Netherlands and the United States, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. Stream It Or Skip It: 'Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole' On Netflix, Where A Troubled Detective Tracks Down A Serial Killer Who Is Terrorizing Oslo
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