U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) coach Mauricio Pochettino has called up Gio Reyna for a November training camp, marking his first return to the team since March. This camp could be an important opportunity for Reyna, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
The latest roster surprised many, as key players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie were absent due to injuries. The depleted squad will face Paraguay on November 15 and Uruguay on November 18 in friendlies. Notably, Johnny Cardoso, Matt Turner, and Yunus Musah are also missing from the 25-man roster.
Reyna’s return comes after a challenging period for him at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he has played only a limited role. He last contributed significantly during the 2024 Copa América. His absence from the national team has raised concerns about his future impact, but this camp offers him a fresh chance to showcase his skills.
Another player returning is Joe Scally, Reyna’s teammate at Gladbach. Striker Ricardo Pepi is also back, looking to regain his form after battling injuries. He joins Folarin Balogun and Haji Wright in a noticeably stronger striker lineup.
Sebastian Berhalter, who has a complicated history with Reyna, is also included in the camp. The two families recently faced a public conflict, stemming from Reyna’s parents’ frustrations about his playing time during the 2022 World Cup. Communication between them seems to remain limited, adding some drama to their reunion.
Current Roster Breakdown
Goalkeepers: Roman Celentano, Matt Freese, Jonathan Klinsmann, Patrick Schulte
Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, John Tolkin, Auston Trusty
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Tanner Tessmann, Sean Zawadzki
Forwards: Brenden Aaronson, Folarin Balogun, Diego Luna, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright
Pochettino’s selection reveals a few interesting patterns. First, it highlights the competition in central midfield. Although McKennie and Musah are absent, the number of midfielders in camp shows how critical this role is for the team’s strategy moving forward.
Moreover, with key players dealing with injuries, including Pulisic and Tim Weah, the squad’s depth will be tested. Pochettino’s approach in these challenges could define how the team performs in upcoming matches.
The Big Picture
Looking ahead, the USMNT is building toward the World Cup. Recent statistics indicate that only about 1 in 10 players manage to break into a consistent position in national teams ahead of such a high-stakes tournament. For players like Reyna, the pressure to deliver can be immense.
On social media, fans have expressed mixed emotions about the roster selections, especially around Reyna’s inclusion. Some are hopeful, while others remain skeptical given his recent performance history.
With Pochettino at the helm, the USMNT is set to experiment and refine its strategies. This November camp isn’t just about immediate results; it’s a vital step in forming a competitive team for the upcoming World Cup.
For more on USMNT updates, check trusted sources like U.S. Soccer or follow sports analysts on social media to stay in the loop.
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US Men's national team, FIFA Men's World Cup, International Football, Soccer
