The highly anticipated return of Gio Reyna to the U.S. men’s national team roster under manager Gregg Berhalter has been confirmed. This announcement comes as a significant development, following a well-publicized feud between the Reyna and Berhalter families earlier this year. Despite the hurdles they faced, both Reyna and Berhalter expressed positive intentions and a commitment to working together for the success of the team. As they move past the conflict and reconvene after a period of separation, the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Ghana provide an opportunity to rebuild their relationship on both a personal and professional level.
The dispute between Reyna and Berhalter initially centered around Reyna’s lack of playing time at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and his dissatisfaction with how he was utilized. Berhalter’s public disclosure of considering sending an unnamed player, later revealed to be Reyna, home due to a poor attitude fueled tensions further. In response, Reyna’s mother revealed a domestic violence incident involving Berhalter, which took place years ago. This disclosure prompted U.S. Soccer to initiate an investigation, ultimately clearing the way for Berhalter’s rehiring. However, Reyna’s subsequent leg injury during the Concacaf Nations League final in June further delayed their reunion.
According to U.S. Soccer’s sporting director, it has only been recently that Reyna and Berhalter had a conversation regarding the events that transpired after the World Cup. Despite the challenges they have faced, both parties have expressed a willingness to move forward and put the past behind them. While Reyna has not played for club or country since his injury, his presence as an unused substitute for Borussia Dortmund in recent matches indicates his readiness to return to the field for the USMNT. Berhalter plans to be creative with the minutes Reyna will receive, allowing him to showcase his versatility both in the Germany and Ghana games.
A Familiar Roster
Apart from the inclusion of Reyna, the rest of the 23-player roster features many familiar faces, with 15 players having participated in the Concacaf Nations League final in June. The likes of Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah from AC Milan, as well as Weston McKennie and Tim Weah from Juventus, add further strength and experience to the team. Berhalter’s focus on building continuity and selecting strong rosters aligns with the long-term strategic approach towards the 2026 World Cup, ensuring the team’s steady progress.
Injury Setbacks and Adjustments
Unfortunately, Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams will miss the upcoming camp due to a recurring hamstring injury that has sidelined him since March. This absence opens an opportunity for Internacional’s Johnny Cardoso and Celta Vigo’s Luca de la Torre to step in and fill the void in midfield. On the defensive end, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson was also omitted from the roster. His absence will be compensated for by the inclusion of Kristoffer Lund from Palermo and Joe Scally from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Berhalter sees Adams’ absence as a chance to explore different tactical setups and adapt to various scenarios against high-caliber opponents.
Youth and Potential Milestones
One player to watch in the upcoming friendlies is Yunus Musah. If he appears in either match, he will join an elite group of USMNT players who have reached 30 caps before turning 21. Only Jozy Altidore, Christian Pulisic, and Landon Donovan have previously achieved this milestone. Additionally, Lennard Maloney from Heidenheim will receive his first call-up, adding a fresh face to the roster. As a dual national with German and U.S. citizenship, Maloney brings both international experience and Bundesliga proficiency to the team.
A Challenging Schedule
The U.S. men’s national team has a challenging history against both Germany and Ghana. Although they have a record of 4-7-0 against Germany, recent victories in two of the last three encounters, including a noteworthy 2-1 win in Cologne in 2015, offer encouragement. Against Ghana, the record stands at 2-2-0, with the most recent meeting resulting in a 2-1 victory for the U.S. in 2017. These formidable opponents will provide the USMNT with an excellent opportunity to test their skills and continue building momentum.
The return of Gio Reyna and the reconciliation between him and manager Gregg Berhalter mark an important chapter in the development of the U.S. men’s national team. Despite the challenges they have faced, both parties have demonstrated a commitment to working together and achieving success. The upcoming friendlies against Germany and Ghana will not only provide an opportunity for Reyna to showcase his talents but also allow the team as a whole to further refine their tactics and build continuity. As the USMNT progresses towards the 2026 World Cup, this reunion and the inclusion of promising young talents set a promising course for the future of American soccer.
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