Mauricio Pochettino has made a statement with his initial USMNT World Cup roster, sending shockwaves through the American soccer landscape. In a bold move, Gio Reyna has earned a coveted spot despite a season plagued by limited club minutes, while rising star Diego Luna faces a gut-wrenching exclusion. This selection signals a clear philosophy from Pochettino: talent and potential can outweigh recent form when the stakes are this high.
- Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach) secured a USMNT World Cup spot, baffling some critics given his limited minutes this season.
- Coach Mauricio Pochettino prioritizes Reyna's "special" creative talent and sees the call-up as a motivational boost.
- Real Salt Lake's breakout star Diego Luna was surprisingly omitted, likely due to recent injury issues despite strong club form.
- The USMNT officially announces its 26-player squad on Tuesday, followed by a crucial pre-tournament camp and friendlies.
Pochettino's Risky Bet: Reyna's World Cup Call-Up
Pochettino's decision to include Gio Reyna is arguably the most talked-about choice in the initial USMNT World Cup squad. The Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder has struggled for consistent game time, tallying just 509 minutes this season. Yet, his undeniable quality and creative spark clearly resonated with the head coach.
Talent Trumps Minutes for the Gladbach Star
Pochettino has consistently lauded Reyna's exceptional abilities, calling him "special." This suggests a calculated gamble: betting on Reyna's raw talent to ignite the USMNT attack on the biggest stage. Despite only one goal in 19 league matches, his flashes of brilliance, particularly in November friendlies, proved enough to sway the coaching staff. This call-up could be the "boost of motivation" Pochettino believes Reyna needs to truly shine.
Luna's Heartbreak: A Rising Star Left Out
On the flip side of the roster coin lies the surprising omission of Diego Luna. The Real Salt Lake midfielder was widely considered a breakout star under Mauricio Pochettino, having featured in 17 of 18 matches in 2025. His absence from the final 26-player squad is a significant blow for a player who seemed destined for a prominent role.
Injury Woes and Missed Opportunities
Luna's strong MLS season, featuring four goals and three assists, made his exclusion difficult to predict. However, a crucial injury that forced him to miss the March training camp likely played a major factor. This isn't the first international disappointment for Luna, who also missed out on the 2024 U.S. Olympic team. His RSL teammate, 19-year-old Gozo, also misses out despite a fantastic start to his MLS campaign, highlighting the fierce competition.
The Road Ahead: Final Preparations for the World Cup
With the roster now effectively set, the USMNT shifts its focus to final preparations. The official announcement in New York on Tuesday will formally kick off the World Cup journey, though the squad remains subject to change until June 1.
Friendlies and the June 12 Showdown
A crucial pre-tournament camp awaits the team in Atlanta. This will be followed by two high-stakes friendlies: first against Senegal in Charlotte, then a challenging clash with Germany in Chicago. These matches will be vital for fine-tuning tactics and building team chemistry before the USMNT opens its World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12.
