
Diego Luna’s World Cup Omission Sparks Debate Over Midfield Depth
Diego Luna’s omission from the U.S. World Cup squad, despite a standout 2025 season and key Gold Cup contributions, sparks debate over midfield depth and injury contingencies.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Mauricio Pochettino across Soccer, Football.

Diego Luna’s omission from the U.S. World Cup squad, despite a standout 2025 season and key Gold Cup contributions, sparks debate over midfield depth and injury contingencies.

The U.S. men's national team will step onto the 2026 World Cup stage wearing a fresh set of patriotic jerseys that blend tradition with a new visual identity. Veteran forward Christian Pulisic will again wear the No. 10 shirt, a number he inherited in 2016 and that was famously sported by Landon Donovan. Midfielder Weston McKennie continues to sport No. 8, a digit he has carried since the 2018–19 season after it belonged to Clint Dempsey. Goalkeeper Matt Turner retains the iconic No. 1 jersey, a number he has worn consistently since the 2020–21 campaign. Group D of the tournament draws the United States against Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. The fixtures are set for June 12 against Paraguay, June 19 versus Australia and June 25 against Türkiye, offering a balanced mix of opponents that could shape the team's progression. Before the World Cup, the U.S. will meet Germany in a high‑profile friendly in Chicago. The match serves as a final rehearsal, allowing the coaching staff to fine‑tune tactics and build momentum ahead of the group stage. The squad's lofty ambition is to break past the quarterfinal barrier that has defined recent U.S. campaigns. While the path is competitive, the combination of home‑crowd energy, familiar jersey designs and a schedule that includes a winnable group stage fuels optimism for a deeper run, potentially even a semifinal appearance.

A state‑of‑the‑art facility in Atlanta, bankrolled by the U.S. Soccer Federation and a roster of corporate partners, marks a dramatic rise in funding for the national program, even as the men's team grapples with unexpected setbacks against opponents like Panama.

During a friendly against Senegal, the U.S. men's national team used a laptop to dissect tactics in a water break, prompting a viral reaction and raising the prospect of widespread adoption at the 2026 World Cup.

Marcelo Balboa highlighted the importance of tactical discipline and limiting mistakes, singling out Tim Ream's recent struggles and the potential impact of Chris Richards' return.

The U.S. men's national team is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to build on the legacy of the 1994 squad and create a lasting impact.

With the tournament on home soil, the United States aims to translate hosting advantage into a knockout‑stage breakthrough, a feat that could ignite a new generation of fans and revitalize Major League Soccer.

Timothy Weah calls for affordable World Cup tickets while his coach and many teammates urge focus on sport, reflecting a broader shift in U.S. athlete activism.

A multi‑state investigation into FIFA’s ticket sales reveals allegations of artificial scarcity and seat reshuffling, casting a shadow over the upcoming North American World Cup.

Christian Pulisic finally broke a five‑month goal drought in a dramatic 3‑2 win over Senegal, adding an assist and tying Clint Dempsey for second place on the all‑time U.S. assists‑and‑goals list.

During a friendly match versus Senegal, US coach Mauricio Pochettino used a laptop to share tactical instructions with his players, a move that has reignited debate over expanded break periods in the sport.

The United States edged Senegal 3-2 in a hard-fought friendly, with key contributions from Dest, Pulisic and Balogun, setting the stage for a final showdown against Germany.

The United States secured a 3‑2 victory over Senegal, with Christian Pulisic scoring twice as the team tested new tactics ahead of the World Cup.

A friendly against Senegal in Charlotte ended 2‑2, giving the U.S. a chance to test new tactics before facing Germany, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey in the 2026 World Cup group stage.

The USMNT will test its depth against Senegal in Charlotte, with key players like Christian Pulisic and Ricardo Pepi aiming to make an impact before the World Cup opener against Paraguay.

The United States will face Senegal in Charlotte on May 31 as part of its final World Cup preparations, offering both teams a chance to fine‑tune tactics before the tournament begins.

Tim Ream is named captain of the United States men's national team for the 2026 World Cup, while Christian Pulisic remains a key figure and may still wear the armband in certain match situations.

The United States will host Senegal at Bank of America Stadium on May 31 as both teams fine‑tune for the 2026 World Cup, with broadcast details spanning multiple continents.

The United States will host Senegal in a World Cup friendly on May 31 in Charlotte, North Carolina, a game that will be televised on TBS, HBO Max, Peacock, Telemundo and Universo. Senegal enters as the favorite, while the U.S. looks to rebound from recent setbacks before a June 6 friendly against Germany in Chicago.
The United States will host Senegal in a World Cup warm‑up on May 31 in Charlotte, with multiple broadcasters carrying the match. Analysts expect a close game, while the squad also eyes a final test against Germany before the tournament.

With the opening match against Paraguay looming, the U.S. must navigate a key defensive absence and a new captaincy as it prepares for a home‑field heavy World Cup campaign.

Paris Saint‑Germain secured a dramatic penalty shootout win over Arsenal to edge closer to a historic three‑peat in the Champions League, a feat made possible by a youthful squad, Luis Enrique’s tactical mastery and the club’s financial might.

PSG defeated Arsenal on penalties to claim a historic third consecutive Champions League title, showcasing a blend of youth, tactical innovation and strategic ownership.

After a penalty shootout victory over Arsenal, Paris Saint‑Germain looks to add a third consecutive Champions League title to its collection, driven by a youthful roster, Luis Enrique’s tactical vision, and substantial Qatari investment.