The Warning Behind Closed Doors
USMNT legend Landon Donovan delivered a blunt assessment of Gio Reyna's World Cup prospects, stating he would tell the midfielder: "Gio, there is every chance you don't play one minute this summer... I need to know you're going to be a good teammate, on board, keep your mouth shut, keep working, and help the group." The comments, made on Donovan's Unfiltered Soccer podcast, reflect growing concerns about Reyna's reliability ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
The warning references Reyna's clash with former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, during which he was rarely used at the 2022 World Cup due to his rumored bad attitude and lack of hard work. With Mauricio Pochettino set to announce the final World Cup roster on May 26, Reyna's inclusion remains uncertain despite his talent.
⭐️ TWO WEEKS TO GO ⭐️
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) May 12, 2026
Our 26 stars will be revealed on the 26th. pic.twitter.com/JSxst1PzwE
The Reliability Problem
Donovan's concerns extend beyond attitude to availability, calling both Reyna and Ricardo Pepi "unreliable" due to injury issues: "Whether that's through performance or mostly through injury, or both in Gio's case. If you're a coach, you just need to know what you are getting."
Reyna has struggled with fitness at Borussia Mönchengladbach, missing five games in early 2026 and playing only 82 minutes since the new year. His injury record shows 93 games missed throughout his young career. For a player widely considered among the most naturally gifted in the USMNT pool, consistent unavailability creates selection dilemmas.
📆 #OTD in 2020:
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 12, 2023
17 -year-olds Gio Reyna and Yunus Musah earned their first caps in a friendly against Wales, marking the first time in the #USMNT’s 100+ year history that two players under the age of 18 started the same match. pic.twitter.com/oUtsHoTwdf
Competition for Creative Roles
The attacking midfielder faces intensifying competition from Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, and Brenden Aaronson, all pushing to influence the team's creative output. Donovan was direct about the numbers game: "If it's a 23-man roster, Gio doesn't make it."
Pochettino's track record with top clubs like Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea suggests he will prioritize squad harmony and reliability over pure talent. The Argentine coach's approach differs significantly from Berhalter's, potentially offering Reyna a fresh start if he demonstrates the right mentality.
The Home World Cup Factor
The 2026 World Cup represents a historic moment as the United States co-hosts the tournament across North America, with expectations rising and pressure increasing on the current generation to deliver on home soil. The pressure will exceed even the 1994 World Cup hosted by the US.
The coming weeks prove decisive for Reyna, with securing consistent club minutes and demonstrating maturity within the squad key to cementing his World Cup place. Pochettino has been clear about his expectations: "You need to play, perform, and then if you do that, then you have a good chance to come in again."
Donovan's warning reflects broader questions about squad culture and reliability that will define the USMNT's World Cup preparation. For Reyna, talent alone may not be enough to secure his place in American soccer's biggest moment.
