Gio Reyna made his first appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as Borussia Dortmund secured a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD from South Korea. The match, held at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, saw Reyna enter the game in the 78th minute, helping his team close out the match and cement their position at the top of Group F.
The game was hard-fought, with Daniel Svensson scoring the decisive goal in the 36th minute. Svensson, on loan from Denmark's Nordsjælland, capitalized on a giveaway by Ulsan, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo from close range. This marked his second goal for Dortmund, adding to his previous score against Borussia Mönchengladbach in April.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Dortmund dominated the match, outshooting Ulsan 28-3. However, they struggled to convert their chances into goals. The match was played in sweltering conditions, with temperatures reaching 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius), prompting a heat advisory. The challenging climate may have contributed to the low-scoring affair and affected the players' performance.
Reyna's appearance in the Club World Cup comes at a significant time in his career. After being in and out of the Dortmund side this season, the tournament provides him with a valuable opportunity to regain form and secure a more prominent role in the team. Furthermore, with the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, a strong showing in the Club World Cup could boost his chances of earning a place in the USMNT squad under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The young midfielder is one of three Americans in the Borussia Dortmund squad for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, alongside Cole Campbell and Mathis Albert. Reyna, whose father Claudio Reyna was also a US international, is keen to put on a show for his friends and family. Growing up in the New York area, Reyna recognizes the significance of playing in a major tournament on home soil.
Dortmund's victory over Ulsan ensured their advancement to the next round of the Club World Cup. They finished Group F with seven points, ahead of Fluminense, who drew 0-0 with Mamelodi Sundowns. Ulsan, unfortunately, were eliminated from the competition after losing all three of their group matches.
Looking ahead, Borussia Dortmund is set to face the second-place team from Group E – either Inter Milan, River Plate, or Monterrey – in Atlanta on July 1. As the competition progresses, Reyna will be looking to make further contributions and solidify his place in the Dortmund lineup. His performance in the Club World Cup could prove crucial in shaping his career trajectory and his prospects for future international involvement.
