Gio Reyna, the U.S. men’s national team midfielder, has entered the 2026 World Cup marked by both personal growth and professional challenges. At 23, Reyna’s journey differs considerably from his breakout years as a teenager, shaped by changes on and off the field, including his marriage and impending fatherhood.
Reyna’s progression in the U.S. setup comes after a turbulent period following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His earlier immaturity during that tournament, which nearly led to his expulsion and contributed to the dismissal of then-coach Gregg Berhalter, is now regarded as part of his past. Reyna has reconciled with teammates and former coaching staff, focusing on revitalizing his career.
Touted as a prodigy with a trajectory comparable to Christian Pulisic’s, Reyna entered professional soccer at a young age, signing with Borussia Dortmund at 17 and quickly breaking records for young American players in the Bundesliga. Son of former USMNT player Claudio Reyna and former USWNT player Danielle Reyna, Gio established himself with goals and assists early in his career, including a notable Champions League assist for Erling Haaland.
However, injuries have hampered his development over recent seasons. Reyna missed significant time during the 2021-22 campaign and struggled to secure consistent playing minutes at Borussia Mönchengladbach, starting just four of 19 appearances last season. Despite limited club action, Reyna maintained a positive approach, dedicating himself to recovery and training.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino’s continued confidence in Reyna has been instrumental in sustaining the midfielder’s international presence. Pochettino praised Reyna as an “amazing talent” whose unique abilities make him a valuable asset for the national team. Reyna responded by scoring a remarkable goal against Paraguay in the World Cup group stage, showcasing his skill and reaffirming his readiness to contribute.
The U.S. squad itself reflects a maturation since the previous World Cup, with nearly half of the roster returning from Qatar and developing stronger on-field chemistry. This cohesion helped the Americans claim the top spot in their group for the first time since 2010, posting two wins in three group matches and setting a new scoring record with eight goals.
Reyna expressed optimism about the team’s evolving confidence and belief in its potential to compete against top-tier opponents. Reflecting on the experience of facing the Netherlands in the last tournament’s knockout round, he noted that the current squad holds a more assured mindset, strengthened by momentum and camaraderie.
As the U.S. advances through the knockout stages, Reyna and his teammates appear equipped with both the experience and determination to pursue a deeper run in the tournament. For Reyna, it is an opportunity to solidify his role and repay the trust placed in him by Pochettino and the national team.