FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. – Midfielder Gio Reyna of the United States men’s national team shared that he has matured since the last World Cup, noting that the experience gained from the 2022 tournament will aid in addressing the “little details.”
During the previous World Cup in Qatar, Reyna faced a difficult incident when then-coach Gregg Berhalter nearly sent him home due to concerns over his perceived lack of effort in training. This situation escalated into a public feud between Berhalter and Reyna’s families after Berhalter’s remarks following the tournament.
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“A lot has changed; I’m married now and have a dog,” Reyna stated during a roundtable discussion with reporters on Friday. “I feel I’ve matured and grown in many aspects of my life, hard to specify just one.”
“As a player, I have a better understanding of the game now. Previously, I was just out there playing instinctively. While that remains part of my game, I’ve learned there are many more tactical components that coaches and teams require.”
Despite the lingering public curiosity regarding the conflict following the last World Cup, Reyna expressed that he finds it exhausting to revisit the topic.
“At this point, it’s a bit tiring,” he acknowledged. “It doesn’t affect me anymore, and I get confused when I’m asked about it. It’s been four years. Everyone has moved on.”
“It’s hard for me to dwell on that since I rarely think about it. My focus is solely on this upcoming World Cup and how I can contribute to the team.”
“So yes, it’s somewhat exhausting, but I understand the nature of the business and why these questions arise. I’m definitely past it and am eager for this World Cup.”
Reyna faced a challenging season with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga, scoring only one goal with just 137 minutes of play since the start of 2026. Therefore, his selection by U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino for the 26-player roster came as a surprise.
Reyna mentioned that he was able to play more as a substitute in the latter part of the league season, which he believes will benefit him while representing the USMNT.
“While I may not have been a starter, I’ve received good playing time,” he explained. “I believe that even those 20 or 30 minutes contribute to my rhythm.
Ultimately, it boils down to training effectively every day and being prepared. I strive to improve regardless of whether I play 90 minutes or not. It’s about consistently working hard and aiming for improvement.”
Reyna appreciates the encouragement from Pochettino, who has consistently acknowledged his contributions to the team.
“Mauricio and I share a strong relationship,” Reyna said. “He clearly trusts and values me, which is all a player can ask for. I’m truly grateful for his support. He brings great energy to the team, and we hope to achieve something special together.”
The U.S. team retains 13 players from the previous World Cup in Qatar, Reyna among them, and he expressed confidence that this continuity will be advantageous this summer.
“In the last World Cup, we were all quite young, so it’s natural to face challenges during crucial moments. Most of the team was 23 or younger back then,” he noted.
“Now, everyone is four years older and has matured both as players and individuals. This growth in our understanding of the game will be crucial as we move forward.”