USMNT Trio's Careers Hang in the Balance as November Friendlies Loom Large
The United States men's national soccer team faces a compressed timeline ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three key players seeking to make their mark under Mauricio Pochettino during November's international window.
Following the decision to cancel a potential January training camp, the USMNT will have just two March exhibition matches and one or two June friendlies to fine-tune their preparations for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Given the limited chances for players to showcase their abilities, several individuals must deliver standout performances in November. Sports Illustrated highlights three players to monitor during this crucial period.
Gio Reyna (Midfield)
The November international break might represent Gio Reyna's final opportunity to secure his place in the World Cup squad. Following his summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Bundesliga rivals Borussia Monchengladbach, his early performances have been inconsistent. However, he remains confident, declaring "I will be there" regarding the 2026 tournament.
The 22-year-old midfielder rejoins the national team roster for the first time since March, when the USMNT suffered defeats to Panama and Canada in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals. His last starting appearance came during the 2024 Copa América, where the Americans were eliminated in the group phase.
This campaign, he has accumulated just 146 Bundesliga minutes. Given his recent limited involvement with the national squad, making a strong impression becomes crucial.
Fortunately for Reyna, he won't face competition from absent players like Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and others who weren't called up.
An intriguing subplot involves his relationship with Sebastian Berhalter. The Reyna and Berhalter families were once close friends, but experienced significant tension during and after the 2022 World Cup, involving Gio's parents, Claudio and Danielle Reyna. The midfielder expressed dissatisfaction with his limited playing time under Sebastian's father, Gregg, who served as head coach.
Sebastian Berhalter (Midfield)
Pochettino frequently utilized Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter during this summer's Gold Cup, but excluded him from the two most recent training camps as European-based players and Seattle Sounders' Cristian Roldan assumed those positions.
He now returns to the squad in what may be his last opportunity to compete for a World Cup roster position, and should receive playing time with Tyler Adams withdrawing due to injury.
If Pochettino deploys a three-midfielder system, Berhalter has demonstrated his capability on the right flank. In a four-midfielder setup, he would operate centrally. The abundance of available midfielders means he must distinguish himself to maintain realistic World Cup aspirations.
Besides Berhalter, Roldan, Aidan Morris, and Tanner Tessman are present in camp, while European-based talents like Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, and Johnny Cardoso remain unavailable.
Berhalter must demonstrate his precise passing, long-distance shooting prowess, and overall skill set to earn future opportunities and secure a place on the final World Cup squad.
Joe Scally (Right Back)
Gio Reyna's Monchengladbach teammate, Joe Scally, enters the squad as a flexible option along the right flank. Primarily a right-back, he has featured as a right center-back in a three-man defense and as a right wing-back in a five-man backline at club level.
A consistent starter throughout five Bundesliga seasons, he has logged 808 minutes this campaign while rotating between multiple wide positions. If he gains Pochettino's confidence, he could serve a crucial function in the various tactical formations the USMNT might utilize going forward.
After expressing disappointment at being omitted from the summer's Gold Cup roster, calling it "upsetting," he aims to rebuild Pochettino's faith and establish his World Cup credentials.