Rising Star Diego Luna Battles for US World Cup Roster Spot

Diego Luna, a rising star in US soccer, is making his strongest case yet for a spot on the national team's roster for the 2026 World Cup. After a successful run under manager Mauricio Pochettino, Luna found himself sidelined by an ill-timed knee injury earlier this year. Now, as he works to regain his form, the young midfielder must restate his value to the team and ensure he remains in Pochettino's plans for the upcoming tournament.

Just a year ago, Luna's place on the World Cup roster seemed all but assured. The 24-year-old had become a favorite of Pochettino, blending a scrappy tenacity with a playmaker's eye. In his 18 senior caps for the US, he had already scored 4 goals, including one in their dominant 5-1 victory over Uruguay in November.

However, the knee injury that kept Luna out of action for Real Salt Lake's first few games this season has put his World Cup dreams in jeopardy. While the US struggled against tough opponents like Belgium and Portugal in their recent matches, Luna – like other fringe players – had to work overtime to reaffirm his value to the national team.