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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already dividing USMNT soccer fans before the tournament begins thanks to manager Mauricio Pochettino’s interesting roster choices.
The full American squad isn’t revealed yet, but some important decisions are leaking, including Gio Reyna’s inclusion. Reyna is the son of former USA star Claudio Reyna, who appeared at three World Cups for America.
MORE: USMNT World Cup squads ranked, from 1990 to 2026
However, Pochettino’s decision to bring Gio for this summer’s World Cup marks an ominous sign for the U.S. team heading into the tournament that they co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
The biggest issue immediately posed by fans is that Reyna simply hasn’t performed at a level worthy of stealing a roster spot from other top players. Also, The Athletic announced that Reyna’s inclusion leaves Diego Luna without a place in the team.
Luna proved to be one of the most valuable midfielders for the Americans in recent months. The Real Salt Lake star has 14 goals in the past two seasons in MLS and continues to raise his stock ahead of the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Reyna’s featured in just 19 games in Germany for Borussia Monchengladbach and hasn’t been particularly impressive with his limited minutes.
The bigger issue for Pochettino and the USMNT though is Reyna’s past behavior. The Athletic quickly points out that Reyna was nearly sent home from the Qatar World Cup due to “behavioral issues.”
MORE: Top 10 dark-horse teams to watch at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Other top national teams like England, France and Germany all have their own problems when it comes to cutting down rosters. However, Pochettino is putting himself and his team in a position where he’s relying on expected talent as opposed to proven results.
Canada forward Cyle Larin and USA forward Gio Reyna during the second half during the Concacaf Nations League. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images
The USMNT’s faced similar dilemmas previously, most notably in 2014 during Jurgen Klinsmann’s tenure. USA legend Landon Donovan didn’t receive an invite to the World Cup, which shocked fans.
Instead, Julian Green got the nod for America in the final 23-man squad that travelled to Brazil. Klinsmann could argue that Green delivered after scoring against Belgium, but the USMNT was still eliminated in that match.
It’s certainly conceivable that Reyna can improve and find the form that many Americans believe he has. However, a home World Cup doesn’t come around often and the United States is at a crucial turning point.
The last World Cup that America hosted in 1994 sparked a major increase in soccer’s attention stateside. 2026 presents a big opportunity to expand on the sport and generate a new level of fandom and youth development.
Continue reading...
The full American squad isn’t revealed yet, but some important decisions are leaking, including Gio Reyna’s inclusion. Reyna is the son of former USA star Claudio Reyna, who appeared at three World Cups for America.
MORE: USMNT World Cup squads ranked, from 1990 to 2026
However, Pochettino’s decision to bring Gio for this summer’s World Cup marks an ominous sign for the U.S. team heading into the tournament that they co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
The biggest issue immediately posed by fans is that Reyna simply hasn’t performed at a level worthy of stealing a roster spot from other top players. Also, The Athletic announced that Reyna’s inclusion leaves Diego Luna without a place in the team.
Luna proved to be one of the most valuable midfielders for the Americans in recent months. The Real Salt Lake star has 14 goals in the past two seasons in MLS and continues to raise his stock ahead of the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Reyna’s featured in just 19 games in Germany for Borussia Monchengladbach and hasn’t been particularly impressive with his limited minutes.
Pochettino’s creating major USMNT World Cup squad drama
The bigger issue for Pochettino and the USMNT though is Reyna’s past behavior. The Athletic quickly points out that Reyna was nearly sent home from the Qatar World Cup due to “behavioral issues.”
MORE: Top 10 dark-horse teams to watch at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Other top national teams like England, France and Germany all have their own problems when it comes to cutting down rosters. However, Pochettino is putting himself and his team in a position where he’s relying on expected talent as opposed to proven results.
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Canada forward Cyle Larin and USA forward Gio Reyna during the second half during the Concacaf Nations League. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images
The USMNT’s faced similar dilemmas previously, most notably in 2014 during Jurgen Klinsmann’s tenure. USA legend Landon Donovan didn’t receive an invite to the World Cup, which shocked fans.
Instead, Julian Green got the nod for America in the final 23-man squad that travelled to Brazil. Klinsmann could argue that Green delivered after scoring against Belgium, but the USMNT was still eliminated in that match.
It’s certainly conceivable that Reyna can improve and find the form that many Americans believe he has. However, a home World Cup doesn’t come around often and the United States is at a crucial turning point.
The last World Cup that America hosted in 1994 sparked a major increase in soccer’s attention stateside. 2026 presents a big opportunity to expand on the sport and generate a new level of fandom and youth development.
Continue reading...
