Gio Reyna has been included in the United States men's national team's 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports from The Athletic. The Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder earned his spot despite accumulating just 509 minutes of league action this season, a decision that underscores head coach Mauricio Pochettino's confidence in the American's creative ability and long-term potential.
Reyna joins several notable names on the preliminary squad, including goalkeeper Matt Turner, midfielder Branden Aaronson, and defender Mark McKenzie. The inclusion of Sergiño Dest's international teammate represents a significant gamble by Pochettino, who has previously emphasized the importance of regular playing time for call-ups. Yet the coach made an exception for Reyna, describing him as "special" and praising his talent during recent international windows. The 23-year-old impressed during November friendlies despite his limited domestic minutes, providing the technical quality Pochettino values in his attacking midfield setup.
Luna's Surprise Omission
The bigger shock comes from the exclusion of Diego Luna, the Real Salt Lake midfielder who emerged as one of the breakthrough stars of the Pochettino era. Luna appeared in 17 of 18 matches for the USMNT in 2025 and has recorded four goals and three assists for RSL this campaign. His absence marks a second international disappointment after he was left off the U.S. Olympic team in 2024 despite widespread expectation he would contribute in Paris. The midfielder's March camp absence due to injury likely influenced the decision.
Luna's 19-year-old RSL teammate Zavier Gozo also missed the cut, despite generating buzz as a rising talent. Both players had been included in the preliminary roster discussions but failed to make the final 26-player group heading into the tournament this summer.
What Comes Next
The USMNT will officially announce the complete roster on Tuesday in New York, with the squad remaining subject to changes until June 1. Pochettino's team will then travel to Atlanta for a pre-World Cup camp featuring friendlies against Senegal in Charlotte and Germany in Chicago before facing Paraguay in the tournament opener on June 12. The Americans will compete in a competitive qualifying group, making squad depth and flexibility crucial factors in their campaign.
