USMNT Counting on Gio Reyna to Be 'Very Special Player'

Highly talented but rarely available, Reyna could be key to USMNT's World Cup hopes.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:27am

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Despite logging just 26 minutes this year for his club Borussia Mönchengladbach, 23-year-old midfielder Gio Reyna has been called up to the U.S. Men's National Team for two upcoming friendlies. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is hoping Reyna, one of the team's most gifted playmakers, can overcome his injury and attitude issues to make a big impact at this summer's World Cup.

Why it matters

Reyna's ability to unlock defenses with his creativity and skill is unmatched on the USMNT roster, but his inconsistent availability and past disciplinary issues have limited his playing time. If Reyna can stay healthy and focused, he could be a difference-maker for the U.S. in their quest for a deep World Cup run.

The details

Despite Pochettino's emphasis on club form, Reyna has been called up despite barely seeing the field for Borussia Mönchengladbach in recent months due to injuries. Reyna has 34 caps for the USMNT, with 9 goals and 6 assists, but his playing time was limited at the last World Cup due to attitude and effort concerns. Now with a new coach in Pochettino, Reyna is hoping to put those issues behind him and make a big impact.

  • Reyna has logged just 26 minutes this year for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
  • Reyna was impressive in November 2025 friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay, logging 75 strong minutes and tallying a goal and an assist.
  • The USMNT will play friendlies against Belgium on March 25, 2026 and Portugal on March 28, 2026.

The players

Gio Reyna

A 23-year-old midfielder for the U.S. Men's National Team, known for his creativity and skill but has struggled with injuries and attitude issues that have limited his playing time.

Mauricio Pochettino

The current head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team, who has emphasized the importance of club form but is still calling up Reyna despite his limited minutes for Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Claudio Reyna

Gio Reyna's father, who along with Gio's mother Danielle disclosed a 1992 incident in which former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter kicked his now-wife Rosalind.

Christian Pulisic

One of the USMNT's standout attacking midfielders, along with Weston McKennie.

Weston McKennie

One of the USMNT's standout attacking midfielders, along with Christian Pulisic.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, it's always easier when you're playing week in and week out. My case is not like that. 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.”

— Gio Reyna, USMNT Midfielder

“We really know that he's a very special talent and a very special player. 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.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Head Coach

“Me and Mauricio have a great relationship, speak often. 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.”

— Gio Reyna, USMNT Midfielder

What’s next

The USMNT will play friendlies against Belgium on March 25, 2026 and Portugal on March 28, 2026, giving Gio Reyna a chance to prove himself and earn a spot on the World Cup roster.

The takeaway

Gio Reyna's immense talent is undeniable, but his ability to stay healthy and focused will be crucial for the USMNT's World Cup hopes. If Reyna can overcome his injury and attitude issues, he could be the difference-maker the team needs for a deep tournament run.