The soccer world has seen significant transformations since the previous World Cup tournament concluded.
The global FIFA competition has expanded by 16 additional teams, bringing the total to 48 nations that will participate across the United States, Mexico and Canada between June 11 and July 19. The tournament schedule has shifted back to its customary summer timing, unlike Qatar’s November and December 2022 matches.
On a more personal level, United States midfielder Gio Reyna exemplifies these changes. During a Friday press conference, Reyna discussed his evolution from the 20-year-old player who faced criticism from his coach regarding insufficient effort during 2022 World Cup preparations.
“Obviously, a lot has changed,” Reyna said. “(I’m) married now. Have a dog. I just like to say, I matured and grown up in many aspects of my life. It’s hard to pinpoint one.”
Questions about Reyna’s development persist due to comments made by Gregg Berhalter, who coached the USMNT during the 2022 World Cup. After that tournament ended, Berhalter revealed he had considered sending a player home.
Investigation later identified Reyna as that player, who accumulated only 53 minutes of playing time during the 2022 World Cup. This situation led to a family dispute spanning multiple generations between the Reyna and Berhalter families.
“It doesn’t really affect me anymore,” Reyna said. “… It more confuses me when I get asked the question still. It’s obviously four years removed and I think everyone is so far removed from that.”
Among the 26-player roster for this World Cup, Reyna represents one of 13 returning team members. The 2022 squad secured second place in Group B, earning advancement to the Round of 16, where they lost 3-1 to the Netherlands.
Prior to Sunday’s exhibition match against Senegal in Charlotte, N.C., the American team holds the 16th position in FIFA’s official world rankings.
Reyna’s influence on this year’s team remains uncertain. His roster spot wasn’t guaranteed due to limited Bundesliga action this season with Borussia Monchengladbach, where he started only four games and netted one goal across 137 total minutes.
“I think rhythm comes from game time, which I feel even those 30, 20-minute stints definitely help,” Reyna said.
“But in the end, it also comes down to training well every day and preparing yourself, which I feel like I try to do whether I’m playing 90 minutes in a good situation or not playing at all. So it’s just the consistent body of work every day showing up and trying to get better.”
