Donovan's Ultimatum: Gio Reyna's World Cup Spot Depends on Attitude

Donovan's Ultimatum: Gio Reyna's World Cup Spot Depends on Attitude

The Warning Behind Closed Doors

USMNT legend Landon Donovan delivered a blunt assessment of Gio Reyna's World Cup prospects, stating he would tell the midfielder: "Gio, there is every chance you don't play one minute this summer... I need to know you're going to be a good teammate, on board, keep your mouth shut, keep working, and help the group." The comments, made on Donovan's Unfiltered Soccer podcast, reflect growing concerns about Reyna's reliability ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

The warning references Reyna's clash with former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, during which he was rarely used at the 2022 World Cup due to his rumored bad attitude and lack of hard work. With Mauricio Pochettino set to announce the final World Cup roster on May 26, Reyna's inclusion remains uncertain despite his talent.

The Reliability Problem

Donovan's concerns extend beyond attitude to availability, calling both Reyna and Ricardo Pepi "unreliable" due to injury issues: "Whether that's through performance or mostly through injury, or both in Gio's case. If you're a coach, you just need to know what you are getting."

Reyna has struggled with fitness at Borussia Mönchengladbach, missing five games in early 2026 and playing only 82 minutes since the new year. His injury record shows 93 games missed throughout his young career. For a player widely considered among the most naturally gifted in the USMNT pool, consistent unavailability creates selection dilemmas.