Gio Reyna is aiming to put the controversy surrounding his role with the U.S. Men's National Team at the 2022 World Cup behind him as he focuses on securing a spot in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The 22-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach, maintains that the issues in Qatar were not entirely his fault or that of his family.
Reflecting on the 2022 World Cup, Reyna acknowledges he would handle certain aspects of the situation differently now. His limited playing time in Qatar, where he only made two appearances off the bench, fueled his frustration. Then-USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter later stated that an unnamed player, later identified as Reyna, was almost sent home due to a lack of effort in training. Reyna's parents, Claudio and Danielle Reyna, both former national team players, advocated for Gio to receive more playing time and contacted the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) regarding a decades-old domestic violence allegation involving Berhalter.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Reyna explained that his frustration "stemmed from" his unhappiness with his game time. He expressed his desire to play and contribute to his country's success, stating that the situation is now "so far removed". Reyna hopes his performances with Gladbach will serve as a "springboard" to regain his place in the national team.
Reyna's journey has been hampered by a series of muscle injuries, limiting his playing time and preventing him from building momentum. Before joining Borussia Mönchengladbach, he had stints as an impact substitute at Dortmund, a loan to Nottingham Forest, and a period on the bench last season. The last time Reyna played a full 90-minute league game was in March 2022, and he has only played once for the U.S. since the 2024 Copa America. So far, he has featured in four of eight Bundesliga games for Gladbach, with fitness issues continuing to be a factor.
Despite these challenges, Reyna is determined to make the most of his time at Gladbach to prove his worth to U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino. He admitted to thinking about the World Cup "pretty often" and emphasized his focus on staying present and working hard daily. Joining Gladbach, where he plays alongside fellow U.S. teammate Joe Scally, was an added bonus for Reyna.
The controversy surrounding Reyna's role in the 2022 World Cup also involved public comments made by Berhalter and the subsequent investigation by the USSF. Berhalter's remarks about a player not meeting expectations led to Reyna's parents reporting a past domestic violence incident involving Berhalter.
Looking ahead, Reyna is focused on the opportunity to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup on American soil with Borussia Dortmund. He expressed his excitement about representing his club in his home country and stated the team's goal is to win the tournament. As the U.S. prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup, Reyna aims to be a key part of the national team, putting the past controversies behind him and focusing on his performance on the field.
