The US men’s national soccer team is set to announce its final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and one omission has fans seeing red. Rising star Diego Luna, just 22 years old, is reportedly off the squad, according to a leak from The Guardian on Saturday. While the roster isn't official yet, multiple sources indicate Luna won't be boarding the plane.
Luna has been a fan favorite for years, earning 18 caps and scoring four goals for the USMNT. Three of those goals came in last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, including crucial strikes against Costa Rica and Guatemala. Just six months ago, he netted in a friendly against Uruguay. His recent form and energy made him seem like a lock for the World Cup squad.
Marketing Blitz Backfires
Adding to the frustration, Luna has been featured prominently in World Cup marketing campaigns, leading many to assume he was a sure thing. Fans feel betrayed, especially since Luna has been dealing with a muscle injury that limited his club minutes for Real Salt Lake in MLS, but is expected to be healthy for the tournament.
Social media erupted with criticism aimed at head coach Mauricio Pochettino. One fan wrote on X: “After what he did for almost a year for team USA when Pulisic refused to play and this is how he gets repaid. Of course he wouldn’t have been a starter by any means but a 22yr old who performed that way a little over a year ago should be on the roster for experience at the least.”
Another fan fumed: “They’re gonna take Gregg Berhalters son (nepotism and very mid player) and Christian Roldan (also an extremely bland and mid player), but leave a fiery and energetic sub who has played consistently that last year or two with the USMNT. You’re sacrificing passion for what exactly?”
A third comment summed up the disbelief: “Diego Luna being plastered all over the media promoting the USMNT just for him not to be going to the World Cup is kind of wild tbh.”
What’s Next for Luna?
Despite the disappointment, Luna’s future remains bright. At just 22, he’ll be in his prime for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. If he continues to develop, he’ll be impossible to leave off future rosters. For now, fans are left wondering if Pochettino’s decision will haunt the team, especially given the group stage challenges Clint Dempsey warned about.
The controversy also echoes broader tensions in US soccer, similar to the backlash Megan Rapinoe faced over her World Cup deal. Meanwhile, the FIFA flag ban has already stirred anger, and even Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has weighed in on World Cup logistics.
For Luna, the snub is a tough pill to swallow, but his talent suggests he’ll get another chance. For USMNT fans, the outrage is just beginning.
