Gio Reyna, despite facing challenges with playing time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, has reportedly earned a coveted spot on the U.S. Men's National Team's 2026 World Cup roster. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is said to value Reyna's unique creative talents, deeming him a "special" player whose inclusion is justified even with the emergence of other promising players.
This development surfaces amidst early, unofficial leaks of the squad list. Other notable names reportedly set to feature in the tournament include goalkeeper Matt Turner, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and defenders Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie, indicating a blend of experience and emerging talent.
In stark contrast to Reyna's inclusion, Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna, who has been a standout performer in MLS and previously faced disappointment with an Olympic team omission, has reportedly been left off the final World Cup squad. This decision marks a significant setback for the young playmaker.
Luna's RSL teammate, Zavier Gozo, also failed to make the cut. Gozo had been enjoying a strong start to his MLS campaign, raising eyebrows with his performances, but ultimately did not do enough to impress the coaching staff for this prestigious tournament.
The official 26-player roster is slated for announcement on Tuesday. Following this confirmation, the USMNT will commence their preparations with pre-World Cup training camps and friendly matches.
These warm-up games will be crucial for the team to gel and fine-tune their strategies before their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament kicks off for the United States on June 12, when they face Paraguay in their first group stage fixture.
The exclusion of Luna and Gozo, while Reyna's inclusion is confirmed early, highlights the difficult decisions faced by Pochettino and his staff in selecting the final squad. Player form, tactical fit, and experience all play a significant role in these crucial choices.
Fans and analysts will be eagerly awaiting the official announcement to see the complete picture of the USMNT's contingent for the 2026 World Cup, with the hopes of a strong showing on the global stage.
