Pochettino has re-included Gio Reyna despite just 28 club minutes in 2026, framing the call-up as a chance to reclaim World Cup form. Betting angle: Reyna is a risky goalscorer punt given his drought and limited minutes, but smart punters might find value in minutes-play or assist props, or a small stake on him making the final World Cup roster if he impresses in camp.
Pochettino recalls Gio Reyna as World Cup audition despite sparse club minutes
Mauricio Pochettino has added Gio Reyna to the U.S. men’s national team’s March roster, framing the inclusion as a last-chance audition ahead of the World Cup. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has logged just 28 minutes for Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2026, but Pochettino believes Reyna’s talent and past national-team form warrant the call.
Why Reyna earned another look
Pochettino pointed to Reyna’s impact during November friendlies as the reason for extending another opportunity. Reyna scored four minutes into the Paraguay match and created an assist against Uruguay, performances that illustrated why the coach describes him as “very talented” and a “special situation.” The national-team stint was intended as a confidence boost, and Pochettino wants to see whether Reyna can again “be very useful for us.”
Club form, minutes and fitness questions
Reyna’s club season has been stop-start. After starting four matches for Gladbach in December, a run of losses and no goal contributions, a winter break and then a thigh injury limited his involvement. He returned to training and has been an unused substitute in recent matchday squads. He has now gone more than a year without a goal or assist for either Borussia Dortmund or Gladbach. His 28 minutes in the calendar year are the fewest among players called into this camp; several teammates have logged hundreds to over a thousand minutes since January 1.
How the March roster was shaped by injuries
Pochettino lamented the unavailability of several players due to injury, which tightened the evaluation window before the World Cup. Haji Wright, Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest were left out because of fitness issues, and Diego Luna remains on the comeback trail. Adams is expected to need two to three weeks to recover from a quadriceps problem, while others continue to manage form and fitness after preseason setbacks. Those absences forced the staff to weigh potential contributors who are not currently playing regularly for their clubs.
Pulisic’s cold spell not a concern
Christian Pulisic arrives in camp without goals or assists so far in 2026, but Pochettino downplayed concerns. The coach emphasized he evaluates the player’s overall performance and commitment rather than scoring alone, saying the camp is an opportunity for Pulisic to regain rhythm and press his case for the final roster.
What’s next for Reyna and the roster
Reyna has one more club match — at Köln — before U.S. camp opens in Atlanta next Monday.
Lionel Messi is no longer set to face Lamine Yamal and Spain in March
For Pochettino and his staff, this March window is the last live evaluation before World Cup selections, a chance for underused players to stake a claim and for the coach to finalize his tactical picture.
Theathleticuk
