Analyzing Pochettino’s Decision to Include Gio Reyna in USMNT World Cup Squad

When Mauricio Pochettino announced his preliminary 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one name raised eyebrows: midfielder Gio Reyna. The Borussia Mönchengladbach playmaker struggled for minutes at club level, yet Pochettino appears confident Reyna can deliver impact for the USMNT on soccer’s biggest stage. This analysis examines the factors behind that choice and what it means for team dynamics, tactics and Pochettino’s legacy.

The Playing Time Debate: Bundesliga Minutes vs. National Team Value

Reyna logged just 510 Bundesliga minutes in the 2025-26 season, ranking 19th among Americans in Europe’s top five leagues. Conventional wisdom suggests World Cup rosters favor players in regular club form, but Pochettino has bucked that trend.

Key considerations:

– Player minutes: Low club usage did not disqualify Reyna from contention.
– September 2025 performance: Scoring a pivotal header against Paraguay highlighted his match-deciding potential.
– Locker-room influence: Teammates celebrated his return genuinely, underscoring his positive impact on squad morale.

The Case for Reyna’s Inclusion

Despite limited minutes in Germany, Reyna offers unique creativity and attacking versatility:

Technical and Tactical Attributes

– Ball progression: High number of line-breaking passes per 90 minutes.
– Dribbling ability: Capacity to take on defenders in tight spaces.
– Spatial awareness: Creates passing lanes for wingers and strikers.

Role Acceptance and Maturity

After the 2022 benching controversy under Gregg Berhalter, Reyna has publicly embraced any role with the USMNT. He stated, “I’m happy to help the team achieve something great, whether it’s playing 90 minutes or supporting from the bench.” His willingness to adapt addresses past concerns and aligns perfectly with Pochettino’s team-first philosophy.

Integrating Reyna into Pochettino’s World Cup Strategy

Pochettino’s roadmap for Reyna includes:

– Controlled minutes: Introducing Reyna off the bench to maintain match sharpness.
– Pre-tournament friendlies: Tests against Germany and Senegal will gauge fitness and tactical fit.
– Tactical flexibility: Leveraging Reyna in attacking midfielder or winger slots to unlock deep defenses.

By preserving his energy and deploying him in key moments, Pochettino can maximize Reyna’s game-changing potential while managing fitness risks.

Projected USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster

Below is a likely 26-man squad reflecting Pochettino’s selections, as reported by multiple outlets:

Goalkeepers (3)

– Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
– Matt Freese (New York City FC)
– Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

Defenders (10)

– Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
– Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven)
– Alex Freeman (Villarreal)
– Mark McKenzie (Toulouse)
– Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
– Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
– Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
– Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
– Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
– Auston Trusty (Celtic)

Midfielders (4)

– Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)
– Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)
– Weston McKennie (Juventus)
– Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

Attacking Midfielders/Wingers (6)

– Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
– Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
– Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
– Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
– Tim Weah (Marseille)
– Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)

Strikers (3)

– Folarin Balogun (Monaco)
– Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
– Haji Wright (Coventry City)

Conclusion: Balancing Risk and Reward

Pochettino’s decision to include Gio Reyna despite limited club minutes underscores his belief in talent, tactical fit and squad cohesion. Reyna’s creative spark, combined with his newfound maturity, offers the USMNT an X-factor capable of shifting critical moments. As the team heads into friendlies and final preparations, all eyes will be on how Pochettino manages this gamble, and whether Reyna can validate his selection on the world’s biggest stage.