USMNT’s Shock Loss to Panama Raises Questions About Tactical Decisions

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) finds itself at a crossroads following a shocking 1-0 loss to Panama, which ended their hopes of defending their Concacaf Nations League title. With the defeat raising numerous questions about the team’s strategy, one of the biggest concerns revolves around head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s decision-making—specifically, why Gio Reyna remained on the bench.

When Pochettino made his first set of substitutions in the 68th minute, he opted for Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn to replace Tanner Tessman instead of introducing Reyna. It was a puzzling choice, as the U.S. lacked creativity in midfield, and Reyna’s playmaking ability could have provided the spark they desperately needed. Instead, McGlynn, who only earned his first international caps during the January window, was given the nod.

The decision became even more baffling when Panama capitalized on their lone shot on target in the 94th minute, sealing the victory and preventing extra time—meaning Reyna never got the opportunity to step onto the field.

Pochettino Defends His Tactical Approach

“We never expected to concede at that moment,” Pochettino admitted after the match on Thursday night. “That’s the reality, but I understand the concern. We were planning to introduce Gio and Diego [Luna], but unfortunately, the timing didn’t work out. They’ll have their chances in the next match.”

That next match will be against Canada for third place on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, the same venue where the USMNT will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign. While a third-place match often lacks significance, the U.S. will be motivated by the rivalry, especially after losing 2-1 to Canada in September, before Pochettino’s arrival.

Reyna’s Playing Time and the Bigger Picture

When addressing Reyna’s limited involvement, Pochettino assured reporters in his pregame press conference on Saturday that there are no fitness or health issues keeping him off the pitch. However, the major concern is Reyna’s lack of game time at Borussia Dortmund. The 22-year-old has struggled for minutes in the Bundesliga, and with the FIFA Club World Cup approaching this summer, his availability for international duty remains uncertain.

The timing of the Club World Cup is particularly problematic, as it coincides with the Gold Cup—the USMNT’s last major competition before the World Cup. Since club teams are not obligated to release players, Reyna, along with Weston McKennie and Tim Weah from Juventus, may be unavailable for the U.S. squad.

“He’s not playing much for his club, and for us, this camp was an important opportunity to integrate him,” Pochettino explained. “If he’s still at Dortmund in June, he’ll be with them at the Club World Cup, making it impossible for us to call him up. We haven’t had discussions with clubs about this yet, but worst case, it opens the door for another player to step in.”

Pochettino emphasized that while Reyna may not yet be fully ready to perform at his highest level, his presence in training sessions has been invaluable. “He’s an important player for us, and our job is to help him get to his best. We want to make sure he’s in contention for the 2026 World Cup squad.”

Adjustments for Canada and the Road Ahead

As the U.S. looks ahead to its match against Canada, tactical changes are expected. While Pochettino isn’t likely to completely overhaul the starting lineup, rotation will be necessary. He has already confirmed that Reyna and Luna will see playing time, and additional changes could be on the horizon.

One area of concern is the performance of star forward Christian Pulisic, who struggled to make an impact against Panama. Pochettino acknowledged that the team needs more from its key player, stating, “We expect more from everyone, including Christian. He is a top talent, and while he didn’t perform at his best in the last match, I have no doubt he’ll be ready for the World Cup and be one of our best players.”

With just 15 months until the World Cup, Pochettino understands that time is limited but insists that adjustments can still be made. “When you lose, there will always be criticism—both positive and negative. But what matters is constructive criticism, which helps us improve.”

He pointed out that past teams have prepared for years, only to falter in the early stages of the World Cup, while others have struggled in qualifiers but then shined on the global stage. “Winning matches now doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll be in perfect shape for the World Cup,” he added. “What matters is how we grow from these experiences.”

While this Nations League campaign didn’t go as planned, the U.S. still has a chance to finish on a high note against Canada. How Pochettino and his squad respond in this match could provide insight into their potential heading into a crucial World Cup cycle.