Gio Reyna is headed back to the World Cup.
Reyna, a polarizing player in the pool due to past baggage and a lack of consistent playing time — but one who possesses clear potential when fit — has been selected, multiple sources tell The Athletic.
Reyna, who was also a part of the 2022 World Cup team but was nearly sent home from the tournament due to behavioral issues, was previously dubbed a “special situation” by head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
That’s due to his skill and ability despite the lack of regular minutes, which has set him apart from how he and others in the U.S. player pool have been judged.
Reyna, 23, played just 509 Bundesliga minutes for Borussia Mönchengladbach this season, although he appeared in each of their last five league matches and scored one goal to close out the campaign.
He has nine goals in 36 caps. One of his international goals came against the U.S.’s first 2026 World Cup opponent, Paraguay, last November.
Reyna, the son of former USMNT great Claudio Reyna, recently said:
💬 “I’m just hoping and waiting for the call-up, it would be an honor. The national team means a lot to me. … I’d love to be there, have an impact on the team. It would be a dream to represent my country at the World Cup.”
