Gio Reyna’s Accountability Issues Cast Doubt on USMNT Future

Gio Reyna controversy continues to overshadow his undeniable talent, raising questions about his role in the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup campaign. In the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup scandal, Reyna had a golden opportunity to rebuild bridges with teammates and staff. Instead, his latest comments suggest a persistent lack of accountability that could threaten his place on the American roster.

Gio Reyna Controversy: A Lingering Cloud Over USMNT Ambitions

Gio Reyna’s recent interview with the Associated Press reignited the controversy that has followed him since the 2022 World Cup. Rather than accepting responsibility for his actions and the well-publicized fallout with then-manager Gregg Berhalter, Reyna chose to deflect blame, stating, “I’m not just going to sort of sit here and take all the blame for something that was made out to be completely my fault, which I believe it wasn’t, and also my family’s, too.”

This refusal to fully own up to his role in the drama only reinforced perceptions of immaturity and poor leadership. With less than a year until the 2026 World Cup kicks off on home soil, fans and coaches alike are left questioning whether Reyna has the temperament needed to be a core part of the USMNT squad.

Talent Overshadowed by Off-Field Issues

There’s no doubt about Reyna’s natural ability. The attacking midfielder stormed onto the scene with Borussia Dortmund and was once considered the brightest prospect in the American pool. But since the World Cup debacle, his club career has also faltered. A move to Borussia Monchengladbach was meant to be a fresh start, but instability at the club and limited playing time have hindered his progress.

For Reyna, everything on the pitch hinges on what happens off it. The USMNT, under the guidance of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, is focused on building a strong, united culture—one where drama is unwelcome and accountability is non-negotiable.

USMNT Management: Culture Above All

Pochettino, known for his man-management skills, has made it clear that no player is bigger than the team. “I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to discipline and unity. In this environment, Reyna’s inability to publicly take responsibility stands out for all the wrong reasons.

While previous coaches may have been more forgiving, Pochettino’s approach leaves little room for egos or unresolved conflicts. Reyna’s comments put him at odds with the cultural shift the USMNT is undergoing, potentially jeopardizing his chances of featuring in 2026.

Gio Reyna’s World Cup Prospects in Jeopardy

Despite his struggles, Reyna is still vocal about his desire to represent the US in 2026. “I do obviously think about the World Cup pretty often as it’s somewhere where I need and want to be,” he told reporters. His focus, he says, is on daily improvement at the club level, hoping his form will force the national team’s hand.

However, talent alone no longer guarantees a roster spot. The USMNT is evolving, and with a new generation of players eager to step up, Reyna’s off-field missteps could prove costly if he doesn’t mend relationships and demonstrate genuine maturity.

Opinion: Time for Reyna to Let His Game and Actions Do the Talking

In the unforgiving world of international football, talent without accountability rarely leads to long-term success. Gio Reyna still has time to repair his image and reclaim a central role for the USMNT, but the path forward requires humility and real leadership. For the sake of his own career and the squad’s ambitions, Reyna must seize his next chance—on and off the field—to prove he has learned from the past.

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