USMNT November Camp: Gio Reyna and Trusty Lead Hopefuls

USMNT November Camp kicks off with Gio Reyna, Auston Trusty, and a group of ambitious talents eager to cement their place on Mauricio Pochettino’s roster. With core players sidelined and World Cup qualification secured, this friendly window is less about results and more about proving worth ahead of the 2026 tournament on home soil.

Key Absences Create Opportunities

Christian Pulisic remains with AC Milan as a precaution after injury, Tyler Adams is out, and Chris Richards is held back by Crystal Palace. Yunus Musah’s form has dipped, and Weston McKennie will miss the camp. These absences open the door for emerging USMNT hopefuls to show what they can offer.

Gio Reyna: Rediscovering Maverick Brilliance

Gio Reyna, the headline inclusion, faces a unique challenge. Despite not playing consistent minutes, his creative spark is undeniable. Pochettino has shown faith in Reyna’s potential, hoping the midfielder can recapture the form that once made him a prodigy. With Pulisic recovering, Reyna is likely to see significant action, and must demonstrate his signature flair and playmaking ability to solidify his spot.

USMNT November Camp Focus: Defensive Depth

Auston Trusty emerges as a contender in defense. With Pochettino likely to utilize three center backs, and injuries keeping Cameron Carter-Vickers and others off the pitch, Trusty’s experience across MLS, the Premier League, and the Scottish Premiership could prove invaluable. A solid showing in camp would position him as a reliable choice for the World Cup roster.

Tanner Tessmann: Midfield Puzzle

Tessmann’s career has seen ups and downs, but recent form at Lyon shows promise. He’s added goals and dynamism to his game, yet translating that success to the national team has been a challenge. With Adams absent, Tessmann stands a strong chance to partner Cristian Roldan in midfield. A breakthrough performance here could push him into serious contention for a World Cup spot.

Brenden Aaronson: Depth and Determination

Aaronson’s tireless work rate makes him a coach’s favorite, though competition in attacking midfield is fierce. Malik Tillman, Diego Luna, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, and McKennie all vie for minutes. Despite strong efforts at Leeds, Aaronson must now prove he can consistently impact games at the international level. A standout camp could clear a path for more regular involvement.

Joe Scally: Reliability Versus Flash

Sergino Dest is locked in as starting right back, while Alex Freeman looks a convincing backup. Joe Scally, a consistent starter in the Bundesliga, finds himself on the periphery after limited recent national team minutes. Rumors hint at off-field issues, but Scally’s steady performances warrant another look. If he can showcase versatility and reliability, he may earn a coveted roster spot as a backup or utility option.

USMNT’s November Camp: Stage Set For New Leaders

With established stars sidelined, the USMNT November camp offers Reyna, Trusty, Tessmann, Aaronson, and Scally a rare chance to shape their futures. The intensity and scrutiny of upcoming friendlies mean every minute counts, with the final roster for 2026 still far from decided. For fans and selectors alike, this camp is an audition for the next wave of American talent.

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Opinion: Why This Camp Matters More Than Ever

The absence of key players and the lack of competitive stakes make this USMNT November camp deceptively critical. Gio Reyna and Auston Trusty have the platform to become essential components of the squad. For all five hopefuls, impressing now means not just fighting for minutes, but potentially carving a path to the World Cup. It’s an opportunity they must seize—with talent, consistency, and a bit of maverick spirit.