Gio Reyna Included in U.S. World Cup Roster Despite Controversies

The biggest question leading up to the announcement of the United States’ World Cup roster was answered on Friday when The Athletic reported that Gio Reyna made the squad.

Reyna, 23, is a skillful playmaker; however, his extensive injury history, lack of form at the club level, and past attitude issues with the national team make him a controversial choice by coach Mauricio Pochettino.

In the current season, Reyna made only four starts and appeared in just 19 games for Borussia Monchengladbach, managing just one goal and no assists.

Previously, Reyna played six seasons for Borussia Dortmund in Germany, alongside a brief loan spell with Nottingham Forest in England. After starting 23 times and logging four goals and five assists for Dortmund in the 2020-21 season, his playing time significantly decreased due to injuries in the following years.

Reyna has recorded nine goals in 36 games for the U.S. men’s national team, but he gained notable attention for his limited playing time during the 2022 World Cup. Reports suggest he was close to being removed from the squad due to his reaction to not playing.

Another surprise in the reported U.S. roster is the absence of Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna. The 22-year-old has scored four goals in 18 national-team appearances and is recognized for his gritty playing style, exemplified by his decision to continue in a friendly match against Costa Rica last year despite breaking his nose.

Players who were on the bubble but did make the U.S. squad include Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner, Toulouse center back Mark McKenzie, and Leeds United winger Brenden Aaronson.

Berhalter, 25, is the son of ex-USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter.

Pochettino is set to reveal the 26-man roster at a Tuesday event in New York.