Reunion of USMNT Stars Amid Family Feud as 2026 World Cup Approaches

CHESTER, Pa. — As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, emotional tensions resurfaced during a recent training session of the U.S. men’s national team. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino held camp activities at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex and a nearby hotel, where two players exchanged more than just passes.

For the first time since the controversies of 2022, Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter were seen collaborating in drills. The past strained their friendship, rooted in an escalating family feud involving their fathers, Claudio Reyna and Gregg Berhalter, who were former teammates.

The friction stemmed from Gio’s lack of playtime during the 2022 World Cup, which prompted his parents to reveal a private incident from 1992 involving Gregg. The revelation triggered a public saga, with U.S. Soccer commissioning an investigation into the matter.

Now, both players have had to navigate the fallout. Sebastian, though expressing a desire to be close again, revealed in a recent statement to the media that he and Gio have yet to mend their relationship. When questioned about their current situation, Sebastian said, “No,” indicating that they had not addressed the elephant in the room.

Pochettino, who acknowledged the challenging family background, reassured that the focus should remain on the national team’s success. “If something happens, for sure, they are mature enough to deal with that,” he said.

Meanwhile, U.S. defender Tim Ream shared that he noticed no tension on the field. After several days of training together, he remarked, “Their relationship has looked pretty normal to me,” underscoring the team’s unity as they prepare for significant matches ahead.

Pochettino emphasized a focus on rebuilding relationships if both players desire it — “Only what can happen is to build a relationship again.” The pressure surrounding the upcoming 2026 World Cup has led to a collaborative atmosphere, with teammates expressing mutual support as they train for their spots on the roster.

While the upcoming friendly matches against Paraguay and Uruguay promise to be vital in shaping the team dynamics, both Reyna and Berhalter remain under scrutiny as they navigate their shared history within the framework of a united front for U.S. Soccer.