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Sebastian Berhalter and Gio Reyna are likely still a decade away from hanging up their boots with the U.S. men's national team, yet the duo are embracing an unexpected new role under Mauricio Pochettino's latest vision — that of experienced leaders.
Ahead of four friendly matches against Chile, Peru, Canada and Mexico, the USMNT head coach assembled a remarkably young roster, retaining just 13 players from the 2026 World Cup squad while calling up 13 uncapped players, eight of whom are teenagers.
For 23-year-old Reyna and 25-year-old Berhalter, it represents a completely different perspective. They now rank as the ninth- and tenth-oldest players in a 28-man fall squad that is placing a heavy emphasis on youth development ahead of the 2030 World Cup. By contrast, they were the fifth- and eighth-youngest members of the 2026 World Cup roster just a few months prior.
"It makes me feel a little bit old, but it's great to have so many of the young players here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better on and off the pitch, trying to help them, show them what we've built and what we're continuing to build," Reyna said at the opening of camp. He now holds 43 caps since making his USMNT debut at the age of 17.
"All of them are incredibly talented, so we're just here to help them be themselves and enjoy their time with the squad."
Berhalter: From Rookie to Seasoned Veteran
While Reyna has been part of the USMNT setup since his teenage years, Berhalter took a more winding road, earning his debut just last year at 24 before breaking through at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Previously, Berhalter has credited much of his development to the candid advice of his father, former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter, who told him back in 2024 that he simply "wasn't good enough" to earn a call-up to the senior national team.
That wake-up call ignited a rapid rise at Vancouver Whitecaps, where Berhalter quickly established himself as a key figure under manager Jesper Sørensen, helping the club reach both the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS Cup finals.
That standout MLS campaign and his USMNT breakthrough earned him a place on the 2026 World Cup roster and a move abroad to EFL Championship club Middlesbrough during the summer transfer window.
Despite holding just 18 caps, his experience of a home World Cup and his journey through the MLS system — a path shared by 13 players on the current USMNT roster — give him a distinctive viewpoint, particularly given his late-bloomer background. The teenagers in camp will look to him as they navigate their own journeys at the international level.
"I think 'older guys' is actually a fair way to put it," he told reporters. "I've only been part of this team for a year now, and it already feels like I'm one of the senior figures, which is wild, but it's a good thing. I think it's something you grow into, and for us, it's about our individual performances, maintaining the standard, and showing everyone around us what it takes and what it means to represent this country and wear the badge."
New Club Ventures Bring Fresh Perspectives
The youthful USMNT camp reflects a host of changes since the World Cup, not only among the younger talents headlining the squad, but also in the clubs the players now call home. Berhalter has made the move to England, while Reyna is enjoying a strong start with Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.
For Berhalter, who momentarily stumbled over whether to say "soccer" or "football" when speaking to reporters, the move across the Atlantic has been an eye-opening experience — and a productive one. He has already contributed two goals and two assists across his first 10 appearances.
"It's been a major transition. Just the sheer passion they have for football over there," he said, before catching himself and switching to "soccer." "The intensity is incredible, and being in a smaller city, the fans live, breathe, and eat it. It's enjoyable — there's a game every couple of days, and it's a grind. But that's exactly what you want."
Meanwhile, Reyna's move to France — the fourth country of his well-traveled professional career — has proven fruitful, as he finally settles into consistent playing time for the first time in more than two years.
"France has surprised me," Reyna said. "The quality and the teams I've faced so far have been very, very impressive ... I'm very, very happy so far. It started well. Obviously, it takes time to settle in — getting to know your teammates, your coach, and of course the living situation — but things are going well."
The recent career transitions for both Berhalter and Reyna will undoubtedly shape how the two veterans guide the USMNT newcomers, who are themselves navigating a significant period of adjustment.
Not long ago, both Berhalter and Reyna were considered emerging USMNT prospects. They may still be closer to the start of their careers than the finish line, but they now carry a wealth of experience and lessons to pass on to the Stars and Stripes.