Gio Reyna said he’s reflected on his 2022 World Cup experience — one that touched off one of the most dramatic controversies in U.S. men’s national team history — and he’s looking forward to donning a USA jersey once again.
Reyna has worked his way back into the good graces of the USMNT after a spell in 2022 that saw former head coach Gregg Berhalter nearly send him home due to his perceived lack of effort in training, leading to drama away from the pitch between the Reyna and Berhalter families.
The 23-year-old Bedford, N.Y., native has put the situation in the past after impressing Mauricio Pochettino to earn a spot on the 2026 World Cup squad.
“I guess it’s been at least a while ago, but it’s happened and it is what it is,” Reyna said. “I just want to help the team in whatever way possible and keep it pretty simple. I’m just looking forward to this one.”
“More just appreciative for another opportunity to represent my country in the World Cup,” he added.
Pochettino indicated that Reyna’s performance in the November USMNT camp — where the midfielder scored the opening goal in a friendly against Paraguay and recorded an assist against Uruguay days later — swayed him.
The USMNT coach sees Reyna as an “amazing talent” who can “help in different aspects of the game,” though Pochettino hinted that Reyna may not be in the starting lineup.
Pochettino still didn’t have a clear picture of Chris Richards’ health after the center back was named to the 26-man roster for the U.S. heading to the World Cup. Richards suffered two torn ligaments in his ankle with Crystal Palace earlier this month.
Richards returned to training for Crystal Palace on Tuesday, and Pochettino said that the national team would “see tomorrow if he plays” in the Premier League club’s UEFA Conference League final and “then we decide.”
The USMNT has until June 1 to submit its roster to FIFA, and it can make injury replacements up to 24 hours before its first World Cup match.
