UPDATE: The excitement is building for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Diego Luna, a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), confirms it will be a pivotal moment for soccer in America. In a recent interview at LAX, Luna emphasized the significance of the tournament, stating, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us.”
With the United States set to host 78 of the 104 matches, Luna believes this is a critical juncture for soccer in the country. He noted that the World Cup represents a unique chance to elevate the sport’s popularity. “The soccer is built here so much, and to now have the World Cup come here, I think this is the biggest opportunity to kind of take that big step into making soccer a super popular sport here,” he said.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. In just over two years, Los Angeles will also host the 2028 Summer Olympics, further cementing the city’s status as a hub for major international sporting events.
When discussing the current team’s talent, Luna remarked, “This isn’t your original U.S. Soccer Team. We have a lot of different guys, a lot of different attributes that guys bring to the team.” He expressed confidence in the squad’s potential, suggesting that with the right mindset, they can achieve impressive performances in upcoming competitions.
Luna also touched on the importance of mental health awareness among athletes, highlighting the “Love, Your Mind” campaign and the growing openness regarding these issues in sports.
As we count down to the World Cup, the U.S. soccer community is buzzing with anticipation. Will this be the moment that transforms soccer’s status in America forever? Fans and players alike are eager to find out as the clock ticks down to 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!