The United States men's national team unveiled a World Cup roster that left many observers stunned, as 22‑year‑old forward Diego Luna was omitted despite being a fixture in the side's recent outings.
Luna, who has featured in 17 of the team's 18 international matches this year and served as a central piece of the federation's promotional push, including the high‑profile jersey reveal, had been expected to secure a spot.
His campaign has been hampered by a lingering knee injury that sidelined him for two friendlies earlier this spring, and his club form for Real Salt Lake has yielded just four goals and six starts in MLS this season.
A Tactical Shift
Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge of the squad, opted instead to bring in attacking midfielders Gio Reyna and Malik Tillman, signaling a shift in tactical emphasis.
Taylor Twellman, an analyst with Apple TV MLS, said the decision would likely surprise fans who have watched Luna become a regular presence on the field and a key contributor in the build‑up.
The United States will open its tournament on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, a match that will now be viewed through the lens of the midfield choices made by the coaching staff.
What This Means for the Squad
The omission underscores the competitive nature of selection, where injury, club performance and tactical fit intersect, and it remains to be seen how the new midfield duo will gel in the tournament's opening game.