Soccer is a sport filled with endless questions and debates, and today, several pressing topics emerge that illustrate the complexities surrounding players, geopolitics, and club performances. Graham Ruthven offers insight into three significant issues currently shaping the soccer landscape, touching on the enigmatic figure of Gio Reyna, the geopolitical turmoil affecting World Cup qualification, and Arsenal’s ongoing challenges despite recent successes.
First, let’s delve into the curious case of Gio Reyna, the United States men’s national team’s (USMNT) most gifted creative talent. The 23-year-old American has played just 26 minutes in 2026 and has not appeared for his club, Borussia Mönchengladbach, in over two months. Typically, such a lack of playing time would rule a player out of contention for international duty, especially with US manager Lionel Pochettino emphasizing the importance of club form when selecting squads. Yet Reyna is far from a typical player.
Despite his limited minutes, Reyna remains the most naturally talented and creative player in the USMNT pool. Injuries have hampered his physical condition, but his unique skill set adds a dimension to the national team that no one else can replicate. This was evident during the friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay last November, where Reyna, despite minimal club involvement, managed to score a goal and provide an assist. His ability to influence the game remains undiminished, underscoring why Pochettino continues to make an exception for him.
This decision is not without controversy. Reyna’s past includes a turbulent World Cup experience in Qatar, where issues with his attitude and effort in training limited his involvement and sparked a prolonged media saga. Some critics argue that he has yet to fully earn his place back in the squad, citing his inconsistent commitment. However, Pochettino appears undeterred by this baggage. The Argentinian coach openly praises Reyna’s talent and insists that, even without regular club minutes, the player’s presence is valuable for the national team. Gladbach may not share this view, but Pochettino’s conviction highlights Reyna’s unique status within the US soccer setup.
Moving beyond the USMNT, the geopolitical landscape is also dramatically impacting the road to the 2026 World Cup. Iraq’s national team arrived in Mexico over a week early for their intercontinental playoff, an unusual move reflecting the logistical challenges faced by their players departing the Middle East. Coach Graham Arnold’s decision to bring his squad early underscores the difficulties surrounding international travel and preparation amid regional instability.
A particularly pressing concern is the ongoing war in Iran, which casts a shadow of uncertainty over the tournament. No one knows for sure whether Iran’s national team will participate in the World Cup this summer. Should Iran withdraw voluntarily or be forced out by FIFA, Iraq could potentially take their place, having advanced through AFC qualifying. However, the timing remains critical. If Iran pulls out after the intercontinental playoffs conclude, it would create a complex situation for the tournament organizers and the teams involved.
This uncertainty is compounded by security concerns in Mexico itself. Just weeks ago, there were serious doubts about Mexico’s ability to host the intercontinental playoffs due to cartel-related violence. Though the situation has reportedly stabilized, the intertwining of geopolitics and soccer is unmistakable as the global sport approaches its biggest event.
Amid this chaos, the intercontinental playoffs feature teams with a range of World Cup histories. Some, like New Caledonia and Suriname, have never qualified before, while others—Bolivia, DR Congo, Jamaica, and Iraq—aim to break long droughts, hoping to reach the tournament for the first time in decades. The potential for joyous celebrations is immense, a much-needed dose of happiness in a turbulent world. Yet, the backdrop of political strife and uncertainty injects a farcical element into what should be purely a sporting contest.
Lastly, attention turns to club football, specifically Arsenal’s recent defeat in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. The match was billed as an opportunity for Arsenal to demonstrate their progress under Mikel Arteta, but instead, Manchester City handed them a 2-0 defeat that highlighted areas needing improvement. This result reinforced the perception that Arsenal struggles to assert themselves in high-stakes matches.
The absence of key creative midfielders Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard was keenly felt. Without them, Arsenal lacked the offensive creativity and ability to