USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino recently unveiled his roster for upcoming March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal , offering an early look at his plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle. The squad contains a blend of both Major League Soccer talent and European-based players, reflecting Pochettino‘s continued effort to evaluate depth across the pool.
However, one notable omission from the list was midfielder Diego Luna, who had previously been an important part of the USMNT setup under Pochettino.
Luna‘s absence is particularly interesting given his recent return from injury.
The Real Salt Lake midfielder missed time ahead of the 2026 MLS season but has since returned to action, appearing in two matches – both off the bench – as he works his way back to full fitness.
USMNT legend Alexi Lalas offered his perspective on the situation, suggesting that Luna still has a realistic path to making the World Cup roster later this year.
Speaking on his State of the Union podcast, Lalas emphasized that Luna‘s career trajectory has been more consistent compared to some of his peers.
“Diego Luna hasn’t had the up and down, and certainly the dramatic down and the craziness on and off the field that Gio Reyna has,” the former USMNT star said.
Lalas compares Luna and Reyna
In particular, he drew a comparison to Reyna, another talented attacker who was included in Pochettino‘s latest squad.
Lalas pointed out that Reyna has experienced more ups and downs throughout his career, including periods of limited playing time and off-field scrutiny.
By contrast, he noted that Luna has not faced the same level of setbacks.
“They’re very different types of players. While both can start, I think that Reyna is probably more comfortable in a starting capacity.”
According to Lalas, Luna‘s performances for the national team last summer – along with his impression on Pochettino – helped build a strong case for his continued involvement in the program.
That “grit” and “ruthlessness,” as Lalas described it, could ultimately be the deciding factor in whether Luna earns a spot on the World Cup roster.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, competition within the USMNT pool remains intense.
Players are fighting not just for roster spots, but for starting roles and tactical roles within Pochettino‘s system.
For Luna, the path forward appears clear: regain full fitness, continue performing at the club level, and make a strong impression in future call-ups.
One last chance to impress Pochettino
The upcoming friendlies will serve as another opportunity for Pochettino to evaluate his group and experiment with combinations ahead of the tournament.
While Luna‘s absence from the March roster is notable, it is far from definitive.
With months still remaining before final selections are made, strong performances could quickly shift the conversation.
As Lalas suggests, Luna‘s work ethic and impact may still earn him a place on the biggest stage – if he can continue to build on what he has already shown.
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