The Gio Reyna World Cup 2026 squad debate is one of the biggest talking points around the USMNT roster.
Mauricio Pochettino named his 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 26, 2026. Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Alejandro Zendejas all made the final list.
However, Reyna’s inclusion stood out because his club minutes have been limited. That made many fans ask one simple question: why did Pochettino still pick him?
For more roster context, you can also read our USMNT squad omissions 2026 article, where we covered why Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann missed out.
Gio Reyna World Cup 2026 Squad Selection Explained
Gio Reyna made the final USMNT squad because he offers something few American players can give: calm creativity in tight spaces.
World Cup matches are often tense. Teams defend deep. Midfields get crowded. As a result, coaches need players who can create chances from small moments.
That is where Reyna helps.
He can receive the ball between the lines, turn quickly, and play the final pass. He can also slow the game when the team needs control. Therefore, even if he is not starting every match, he still gives Pochettino a useful weapon.
According to the U.S. Soccer official roster announcement, Reyna was included among the midfielders for the final 26-player squad.
Why Limited Minutes Did Not Stop Gio Reyna
Limited minutes usually hurt a player’s World Cup chances. However, Reyna is not a normal case.
His talent has never been the main question. The bigger questions have usually been fitness, rhythm, and consistency.
Pochettino likely looked at Reyna’s upside. In a 26-player squad, not every player needs to be a guaranteed starter. Some players are selected because they can change one specific match.
Reyna fits that role.
If the USMNT is chasing a goal, he can come on and add creativity. If the team needs better ball control, he can help connect midfield and attack. Also, his experience from the 2022 World Cup cycle gives him tournament understanding.
Reuters also noted that Reyna was selected despite limited club play, which made his inclusion one of the more discussed roster decisions.
What Role Could Gio Reyna Play for the USMNT?
Reyna may not be the automatic starter many fans expected years ago. However, he can still play an important role.
He could be used as an attacking midfielder, a wide creator, or a second-half substitute. More importantly, he gives the team a player who can unlock tight games.
Against compact teams, Reyna could matter. He does not need 90 minutes to influence a match. Sometimes, one pass is enough.
The USMNT will need that kind of quality in Group D. For more tournament coverage, check our guide to the latest World Cup squad announcements.
Did Gio Reyna Beat Other Players to a Roster Spot?
Yes, Reyna’s inclusion made other omissions look even bigger.
Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris were among the notable names left out. Meanwhile, Reyna made the squad despite questions about match sharpness.
That is why fans are debating the decision.
However, Reyna’s skill set is different. He is not just another runner or midfielder. He is one of the few USMNT players who can create a chance without needing much space.
That likely protected his place.
The Guardian also highlighted the USMNT roster debate, including the surprise around some players who missed out.
Final Verdict: Was Gio Reyna the Right Choice?
Gio Reyna was a risky choice, but it makes sense.
His limited minutes are a concern. However, his creativity is too valuable to ignore. In a World Cup, the USMNT may need one moment of quality against a strong defensive team.
That is why Pochettino selected him.
Reyna may not start every match. He may not even play heavy minutes in every game. However, he gives the USA a different attacking option, and that matters in tournament football.
The Gio Reyna World Cup 2026 squad decision shows that Pochettino wanted more than safe picks. He wanted players who could change games.
For Reyna, this World Cup could be a fresh chance to remind fans why he became one of America’s most talked-about talents.
You can also read our USA World Cup host cities guide for more 2026 tournament coverage.
