A Family Feud Rekindled Ahead of World Cup
When the United States Men’s National Team boss Mauricio Pochettino steps onto Pier 17 on Manhattan’s East River to unveil the 26‑man squad for the 2026 World Cup, the spotlight will not only be on the players but also on the tangled histories that have shaped them.
At the center of the narrative are two sons of American soccer’s most recognizable families: Gio Reyna, the 22‑year‑old playmaker who now plies his trade in the German Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach, and Sebastian Berhalter, a steady‑hand midfielder who has earned the confidence of Pochettino despite being overlooked in earlier cycles.
Their paths have been intertwined since childhood, when Gregg Berhalter and Claudio Reyna, both alumni of Saint Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, forged a friendship that extended to the 2002 World Cup squad. Decades later, the bond frayed after a 1991 incident that resurfaced in 2024.
Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed from his role as USMNT head coach earlier this year, admitted to having kicked his wife Rosalind during a heated argument that year. Danielle Reyna reported the episode to US Soccer, prompting an investigation that cleared Berhalter of blackmail or extortion charges. The episode, however, left a stain that would later influence roster decisions.
With both Reyna and Berhalter now secured spots on the 2024 USMNT roster, the saga appears to be reaching a tentative resolution. Yet the narrative is far from closed, as the families’ long‑standing rivalry continues to echo through locker rooms, media panels, and fan forums.
Implications for the Upcoming Tournament
The inclusion of the two players signals a strategic shift for Pochettino, who has publicly praised Sebastian Berhalter’s consistency while acknowledging Gio Reyna’s technical brilliance. Their presence also reflects a broader trend of clubs abroad — such as Borussia Dortmund and Chicago Fire FC — contributing to the national team’s depth.
Beyond the pitch, the episode has reignited discussions about governance within US Soccer, with figures like Earnie Stewart, Paul Tenorio, Tim Weah and George Weah watching closely as the federation navigates the fallout. Even veteran commentator Roger Bennett has weighed in, noting that the Berhalter‑Reyna saga may well become a cautionary tale for future generations.