Reyna, Scally bring close bond forged in Germany to World Cup roster

Gio Reyna and Joe Scally, two U.S. Soccer stars with a decade-long friendship, are set to play together at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both earning spots in the national team roster. The pair, who first met as youth players at New York City FC, have built a bond that extends beyond the pitch, with their wives and even their dogs forming close connections. At German club Borussia Monchengladbach, their on-field chemistry has been highlighted as a potential asset for the U.S. Squad, though their roles on the field differ significantly.

Reyna, an unpredictable attacking midfielder, has faced injury challenges in recent seasons, while Scally, a dependable defender, has maintained consistency in his club and national team appearances. Their friendship, however, has been a constant, with Scally crediting their shared experiences for strengthening their understanding on the field. “We want to play together more than we have,” Scally said, noting that their time together often leads to positive outcomes.

The duo’s inclusion in the World Cup squad follows a contentious chapter in Reyna’s career. During the 2022 tournament in Qatar, he was limited to two bench appearances and faced criticism from then-coach Gregg Berhalter for lack of effort in training. The situation escalated when Reyna’s parents, both former U.S. National team players, raised concerns with the U.S. Soccer Federation about Berhalter’s past, including a decades-old domestic violence allegation involving his wife. Reyna has since reflected on the incident, acknowledging his frustration but denying it was entirely his fault.

The 2026 World Cup represents a second chance for both players, with Scally aiming to build on his experience and Reyna seeking to reclaim his form. Their story underscores the intersection of personal relationships and professional ambitions in sports, where camaraderie can be both a strength and a source of scrutiny.

As the tournament approaches, the focus will be on how their bond translates to performance and whether their shared history can help the U.S. Team navigate the pressures of international competition.

Frequently Asked Questions What is Gio Reyna’s role on the U.S. Team? Reyna is an attacking midfielder known for his creativity and ability to impact games suddenly, though he has dealt with recurring injuries in recent seasons. How has Joe Scally contributed to the U.S. Squad? Scally is a versatile defender who has rarely missed a game, providing reliability and consistency in his club and national team appearances. What controversy surrounded Reyna in 2022? Reyna was criticized by then-coach Gregg Berhalter for lack of effort in training and was nearly sent home. His parents later raised concerns with the U.S. Soccer Federation about Berhalter’s past, including a decades-old domestic violence allegation. What might happen next for Reyna and Scally? Their friendship could enhance team cohesion, but Reyna’s ability to overcome past challenges and secure regular playing time will be critical to his impact at the World Cup. How might personal connections influence a team’s performance in high-stakes competitions?