D. Luna

Also in this week’s MLS weekend wrap, Messi saves Miami again, and the Columbus Crew simply can’t hold a lead Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter Twelve months ago, Diego Luna’s place on the US roster for the World Cup seemed as secure as anybody’s. He was an early favorite of Mauricio Pochettino, a player blending scrappy tenacity with a playmaker’s eye. Seventeen of his 18 senior caps have come under Pochettino, most recently scoring his fourth goal for the US in their 5-1 blowout of Uruguay in November. Nonetheless, Luna finds himself on the bubble of making this summer’s 26-man squad. An ill-timed knee injury sidelined him for Real Salt Lake until their fourth game, and his comeback process left him unavailable for Pochettino’s final pre-tournament window in March. Even though the US struggled against Belgium and Portugal, Luna – like any World Cup hopeful on the fringes – had to restate his bona fides to ensure he’s in Pochettino’s plans.

Two goals for Cristian Roldan, one goal and one assist for Diego Luna. Tim Ream leaves at halftime with with groin pain. In Europe, nine hopefuls dressed, one started. The post USMNT World Cup Hopefuls: Lots of positives and … not so positives appeared first on Soccer America.

With the European season kicking off soon, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down the top five USMNT players with the most to prove across Europe. Sergiño Dest and Folarin Balogun are back from injury and looking to make statements, while Tim Weah kicks off a new chapter at Marseille. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away on home soil, the pressure is on for these American stars to deliver. The guys also react to Diego Luna landing on the front page of the New York Times, and Don Garber’s response.Then, it’s all about the chaos in the Leagues Cup: Max Arfsten steps up to keep Columbus alive, LAFC survives thanks to a David Martínez brace, and Messi looks to sit out against Pumas. To close out the show, Alexi and Mosse discuss Chicago’s omission from the 2026 World Cup host cities and share some football stories out of Ecuador. Intro (0:00)Which USMNT Player Has the Most to Prove in Europe? (4:23)EFL Championship kicks off (16:47)Over the Luna: Diego should stay in MLS? (18:59)Leagues Cup madness (22:37)Max Arfsten clutch for Columbus, LAFC survives (24:25)Why is Chicago not hosting in 2026? (27:17)One for the Road: Wild Stories Out of Ecuador (37:56) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices