USMNT Final Pre-World Cup Roster Announced: Gio Reyna Included Despite Limited Playing Time
USMNT Final Pre-World Cup Roster Announced: Gio Reyna Included Despite Limited Playing Time
U.S. Men's National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced his final roster before selecting his World Cup squad, with attacking midfielder Gio Reyna's inclusion emerging as the most notable decision despite his limited playing time for Borussia Mönchengladbach this season.
Reyna, 23, has played just 403 minutes in the Bundesliga this season and none since January 17 due to a thigh injury. Yet, he remains in contention for a spot on the American team this summer, continuing a pattern for Pochettino who summoned the former starlet in November despite similar limited minutes.
"He showed why he started," Pochettino said after November's 2-1 win over Paraguay, the team the U.S. will open its World Cup against on June 12. The Argentine manager called it a "special situation" last fall, and Reyna rewarded his coach with a goal and assist against Paraguay and an assist in a 5-1 dismantling of Uruguay.
Key Absences Open Opportunities
The roster announcement comes with several significant absences due to injury. Sergiño Dest (thigh) is out, potentially for the remainder of the season. Tyler Adams missed Bournemouth's trip to Burnley last weekend due to an unspecified issue and is also not in this squad, having previously missed camps in October and November.
Forward Haji Wright (groin) has been omitted, easing a potential selection headache for Pochettino at a crowded forward position. These absences have opened the door for several players in critical position battles across the roster.
The U.S. will face Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31, with just three days between matches. New IFAB rule changes have increased substitutions allowed in international friendlies from six to eight, with an option for up to 11 if both teams agree, allowing Pochettino to rotate heavily in this window.
"We must treat these games like they are a part of the World Cup," Pochettino said in a press release. "And what is most important is that the players bring the right mentality and commitment to the group."
Positional Breakdown
Goalkeepers
Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
Pochettino has been clear that Freese is his No. 1 goalkeeper, having been in net for 12 consecutive games since taking over the job at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Matt Turner, the 2022 World Cup starter, returns to camp trying to keep his name in the mix. Turner moved back to New England hoping a return to the Revolution would give him a chance to get back in the frame.
Defenders
Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
With Dest out due to injury, Freeman could be the clear starter on the right side, though he's played just 38 minutes across four matches since moving to Villarreal in January. Antonee Robinson returns to the lineup for the first time since November 2024 after dealing with knee issues.
Midfielders
Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Johnny Cardoso (Atlético Madrid), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Tanner Tessmann (Lyon), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
Adams' absence opens up competition in defensive midfield, with Cardoso and Morris jockeying for position. Cardoso has been playing consistently for Atlético Madrid, while Morris continues as a standout for Middlesbrough. Berhalter and Roldan, both 2025 MLS Best XI selections, will look to make their claims.
Notably, World Cup veteran Yunus Musah, a starter in 2022 in Qatar, was left off the roster and hasn't played for the U.S. since March 2025, seeming firmly out of the picture for this summer's tournament.
Forwards
Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Patrick Agyemang (Derby County), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Marseille)
Christian Pulisic returns to the team for the first time since October, trying to find a spark after hitting a dry spell with AC Milan. The forward group enters camp in strong form: Agyemang leads Derby County with 10 goals in all competitions, Balogun has 14 goals for Monaco (including goals in three straight games), and Pepi has 13 goals for PSV Eindhoven.
Tim Weah will try to lock down his starting job, though his versatility and ability to play right wingback keeps his options more fluid. Diego Luna (just back from injury for Real Salt Lake) and Alejandro Zendejas are among other attacking options who miss out.
World Cup Preparation
This camp represents the final opportunity for players to impress before Pochettino selects his World Cup roster. With tactical flexibility and multiple players capable of playing multiple positions, the upcoming friendlies against European opposition will provide crucial tests ahead of the tournament opener against Paraguay on June 12.
The U.S. squad features a mix of established veterans like Pulisic, McKennie, and Ream alongside emerging talents and players seeking to cement their places on the international stage. With just months remaining before the World Cup, every minute of these matches carries significant weight for players hoping to represent the United States on soccer's biggest stage.