United States Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly excluded Real Salt Lake stars Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo from the 26-man roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
According to a report by The Athletic on May 22, 2026, both players were left out of the final squad.
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The official roster announcement is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026. A source later confirmed to FOX 13 News that the report appears accurate.
The omission of Luna, 22, is a major surprise given his extensive international experience. He made 18 appearances for the senior national team last year.
This MLS season, he has recorded four goals and three assists for Real Salt Lake despite overcoming a knee injury that sidelined him during the March international window.
Gozo, 19, was considered a long shot for the final squad as he has never earned a senior national team cap.
The homegrown midfielder has enjoyed a breakout MLS season with six goals and four assists, anchoring a potent attacking trio alongside Luna and Sergi Solans.
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Real Salt Lake's International Outlook
Real Salt Lake's defensive lineup presents a different international picture. Uruguayan defender Juan Manuel Sanabria remains in contention for a World Cup spot.
Sanabria debuted for Uruguay on October 1, 2025, and scored against Uzbekistan three days later.
He has earned five senior caps under manager Marcelo Bielsa alongside 88 youth national team appearances.
While Bielsa has not publicly finalized the Uruguayan squad, Sanabria remains on the preliminary lineup.
Other MLS players are securing their international selections: Minnesota United FC reported that defender Michael Boxall will represent New Zealand, while Carlos Harvey and James Rodríguez are expected to join Panama and Colombia respectively.
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The tournament begins on June 11, 2026. The United States will play its opening match against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, in Los Angeles.
