‘I was upset for him’: how Real Salt Lake reacted to Diego Luna’s USMNT exclusion
Real Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni expressed disbelief over the exclusion of Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo from the USMNT World Cup roster. Luna, a key player for the national team in 2025, was expected to be included, while Gozo was a surprising omission despite his strong performances. Both players and staff members showed visible disappointment upon learning the news via email after training.
- ▪Diego Luna was a significant contributor to the US national team in 2025.
- ▪Coach Pablo Mastroeni found it hard to understand Luna's exclusion from the World Cup roster.
- ▪Zavier Gozo, a young standout, also expressed disappointment at not being selected for the team.
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Diego Luna was an important part of the US national team in 2025. Photograph: Chadd Cady/Imagn Images/ReutersView image in fullscreenDiego Luna was an important part of the US national team in 2025. Photograph: Chadd Cady/Imagn Images/ReutersUSA‘I was upset for him’: how Real Salt Lake reacted to Diego Luna’s USMNT exclusionLuna and Zavier Gozo’s World Cup dreams ended with a Friday email from US SoccerJeff Rueter in Saint PaulMon 25 May 2026 07.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 25 May 2026 07.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleReal Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni was in disbelief. The US roster for the World Cup would include neither his team’s star playmaker Diego Luna nor their head-turning youngster, Zavier Gozo.
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