USMNT World Cup Roster Leak: Gio Reyna In, Diego Luna Out, Pochettino’s Surprise Calls

The U.S. men’s national team’s plans for the 2026 World Cup came into sharper focus on Friday, and they contain no shortage of surprises. According to multiple reports, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has informed players individually of his 26-man roster decisions, with the official announcement expected Tuesday in New York. The biggest headliners: Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Gio Reyna is back on the World Cup stage, while Real Salt Lake playmaker Diego Luna has been left out, a snub that raises questions about Pochettino’s vision for a team shouldering immense expectations on home soil.

The Reyna Redemption Arc

Gio Reyna’s inclusion is a dramatic plot twist in a saga that has dogged the USMNT for over a year. The Athletic’s Tom Bogert and Paul Tenorio report that Reyna, 23, will be on the plane to the World Cup despite an inconsistent season at Gladbach. Once seen as the crown jewel of American soccer, Reyna has battled injuries and lack of consistent minutes since his infamous feud with former coach Gregg Berhalter after the 2022 World Cup. That baggage made him a polarizing figure in the player pool, but Pochettino has repeatedly preached a clean slate. “Pochettino believes in the talent and has been willing to move past off-field history,” a source familiar with the decision told The Athletic. Still, Reyna’s selection is a gamble. His club form has been patchy—he’s started fewer than half of Gladbach’s matches this season—and critics argue that his inclusion prevents a more in-form attacker from staking a claim.

The Luna Snub and the Berhalter Bombshell

The flip side of Reyna’s comeback is the painful omission of Diego Luna. The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake star had been one of the bright spots in recent USMNT camps, injecting creativity and flair into an attack that has often looked static. Yet reports indicate that Luna was not among the 26 players notified on Friday. The exact reasons remain undisclosed, but it’s a decision that will fuel debate: Luna’s club form in MLS has been excellent, and his exclusion leaves a hole in the creative midfield options.

Perhaps even more startling is the news that Sebastian Berhalter, son of former coach Gregg Berhalter, has made the final cut. Per The Athletic, the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder is part of Pochettino’s squad. It’s an eye-catching choice given the obvious family ties and the fact that Sebastian has only two senior caps. His selection over more experienced alternatives suggests Pochettino values specific tactical qualities or sees a developmental investment that can pay dividends in a compressed tournament schedule. Other names confirmed in the leak include winger Brenden Aaronson, center back Mark McKenzie, and goalkeeper Matt Turner, all of whom add experience and depth across key positions.

Pochettino’s Pragmatism or Personal Preference?

The leaked roster reveals a coach unafraid to make subjective, bold calls. Pochettino has spent recent months cycling through players and combinations, dealing with injuries and the mixed form of European-based veterans. His decision to stick with Reyna, bet on young Berhalter, and overlook Luna points to a philosophy that blends talent recognition with a willingness to ignore public sentiment. While Aaronson’s high-energy style fits Pochettino’s pressing system, and McKenzie’s defensive solidity is a boon, the inclusion of Berhalter raises eyebrows. Some insiders suggest the coach was impressed by the midfielder’s versatility and calmness in possession during January camp. Others wonder if the selection is an olive branch to heal old wounds in the USSF. The Athletic notes that players were informed on Friday, and the official announcement will be closely parsed for further surprises—especially in the fullback and striker positions, which remain in flux.

AI Perspective: Tournament Implications and Tactical Risks

These roster moves will directly shape the USMNT’s ability to navigate a challenging Group A that includes the Netherlands, Senegal, and Saudi Arabia (as per the April draw). Losing Luna robs the team of a dynamic, unpredictable element off the bench—a player who could unlock packed defenses. Instead, Pochettino appears to be banking on Reyna’s pedigree and past chemistry with Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to generate chances. But Reyna’s lack of sharpness could be exposed against high-pressing opponents. Aaronson will likely be the first attacking substitute, though he lacks Luna’s vision. Defensively, McKenzie’s selection solidifies a backline that still experiments with pairing, but the inclusion of Berhalter as a midfield option may backfire if he’s forced into high-leverage minutes. The USMNT’s margin for error is razor-thin. If Reyna struggles, Pochettino will face immediate scrutiny for leaving Luna at home, while the Berhalter call will become a lightning rod if the team underperforms. With the squad announcement just days away, the pressure on the Argentinian coach has ratcheted up to fever pitch.