Will USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino call on Gio Reyna against Canada?

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — There are plenty of questions surrounding the United States men's national team after a stunning 1-0 loss to Panama that knocked the squad out of contention to defend its Concacaf Nations League title.

One of them is why USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino decided not to play Gio Reyna in that semifinal match. When he made his first set of substitutions in the 68th minute, Pochettino went with Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn to replace Tanner Tessman over Reyna. It was a head-scratching choice: the U.S. was lacking creativity and the situation seemed to call for more for a player like Reyna vs. McGlynn, whose first caps came during the January window.

When Panama scored in the 94th minute – it's only shot on target that evening – it ensured there would be no extra time and therefore no appearance by Reyna.

"We never expect to concede in this moment," Pochettino said after the match Thursday night. "That is the truth, but [I] agree. We were thinking to give [the opportunity] to play Gio and Diego [Luna], but for sure they're going to have the opportunity [next match]."

The U.S. plays Canada for third place on Sunday back here at SoFi Stadium, which is the site where the Americans' will open the 2026 World Cup next summer. It can often be difficult for any team to get up for a consolation prize, but given this rivalry and this opponent, motivation shouldn't be hard to find. Plus, the last time these nations met in September (before Pochettino was hired), the Canadians won 2-1.

In terms of Pochettino's future tactical plan for Reyna, the coach said Saturday during his pregame news conference that there are no health, fitness or other restrictions that might limit Reyna's minutes against Canada The