“We decided to call him because the only opportunity that we have is now in March,” the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team stated. “We are not going to have [him] in June, as he will be competing in the [Club World Cup] and won’t be available for us with Borussia Dortmund.”
Reyna made one substitute appearance for the USMNT during the Nations League, marking his sole game to date under Pochettino.
Now, two months later, Pochettino is preparing to announce his preliminary 60-player roster for the Gold Cup. Unfortunately for Reyna, along with Juventus players Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, he is not anticipated to be on this list.
This exclusion is attributed to a new FIFA rule indicating that clubs are not obliged to release players for the Club World Cup, which differs from the usual practice during international windows.
Although Reyna may not participate in the Gold Cup, there’s a possibility he could also miss the Club World Cup, which is set to take place concurrently in the United States.
Reyna is widely expected to exit Borussia Dortmund this summer following another season marred by limited playing time, with the 22-year-old appearing just three times in the past seven weeks.
Would Dortmund include Reyna on its Club World Cup roster despite plans to sell him in the summer? This scenario was discussed by former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas on his “State of the Union” podcast this week.
“When it comes to Giovanni Reyna, I think the real interesting question — he continues to not be involved,” Lalas said. “We know he’s been persona non grata when it comes to Dortmund now for a long time, but how does that play into this summer, relative to the Club World Cup, which — if he’s still on the books — he would be theirs and available?
“And we’ve talked about how, between the Gold Cup and the Club World Cup, the Club World Cup takes precedence for players like Weah and McKennie over there in Juventus, right? So, do you bring him? Do you not bring him? Do you just let him go and play?
“And who knows, when all is said and done, he might have the whole summer off. He might not be part of the Gold Cup roster or the Club World Cup roster.”
If Reyna does indeed travel to the U.S. with Dortmund, it’s hard to envision him playing a significant role in the Club World Cup. This scenario would deliver a double setback: missing the chance to represent the USMNT while also not being able to showcase his abilities to potential suitors with Dortmund.
Thus, for Reyna, missing both tournaments might actually turn out to be the most favorable outcome. As his career strays further from the anticipated path, resolving his club situation must be his primary focus this summer.
If he fails to secure a consistent playing position leading up to the 2025-26 season, his chances of making the 2026 World Cup roster could be seriously jeopardized.
Image Source: Gio Reyna @ Instagram
