Step By Step: Diego Luna’s steady rise earns USMNT Gold Cup call-up

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Diego Luna is taking another step forward in a journey defined not by viral moments or hype, but by trust earned.

The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake midfielder has been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for the upcoming warm-up matches ahead of this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. The group is expected to become the official tournament squad when the final roster is submitted on June 4, barring injury or unforeseen circumstances.

It’s a deserved recognition of what he’s becoming: a dependable, dynamic contributor who continues to show up when it matters.

This isn’t a story of “making it.” Luna would likely be the first to say that. It’s about proving that he can be counted on—and about continuing to build trust within U.S. Soccer at the highest level.

Luna’s 2024 MLS campaign with RSL forced national team staff to pay attention. With eight goals and 12 assists, he was a creative engine for one of the league’s most surprising teams, earning MLS All-Star and MLS Young Player of the Year honors and consistently drawing plaudits for his vision, technique, and balance under pressure.

That form led to another senior national team call-up in January, where he made an instant impression. 

In a match against Costa Rica, Luna suffered a broken nose from a wayward elbow, then begged to stay on as a team physician fervently worked to staunch the flow of blood from his nose. With (then newly appointed) USMNT Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s reluctant permission, Diego charged back into the fray with cotton wadding protruding from each nostril, immediately delivered an assist, and left little doubt about his commitment.

The message to USMNT staff and the soccer world in general was loud and clear: he’s not just flashy. He’s reliable. He’s a warrior. He belongs.

When Diego Luna first arrived at RSL, fans quickly fell in love with his flair. His first touch, quick turns, and vision made him one of the most exciting young players in MLS. But breaking into the starting XI wasn’t immediate. Minutes were sporadic, and while the talent was obvious, the trust from the coaching staff had to be earned.

Luna’s path to this moment hasn’t been linear, but it’s always led upward. 

He started playing at age three with Palo Alto Soccer Club, coached by his dad and oldest brother. From there, he spent time in the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, then made a bold move away from his family at age 15 to the Barça Residency Academy in Arizona. At 17, he turned professional with El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship under coach Mark Lowry — now with Real Monarchs — before signing with RSL in June of 2022.

That willingness to bet on himself, to take each next step with intention, has been a defining trait. Then came the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina — a turning point.

Before leaving for Argentina, where he delivered a breakout performance for the United States, Luna spoke on the “Royal Riot Podcast” about how he views his journey:

“For me personally and my mentality,” he said, “I’m the guy making my way up the ranks, step by step, going up the staircase.”

Luna, known affectionately as “Moon Boy” for his surname but also his style of play, dazzled everyone who watched the U.S. squad in Argentina, racking up goals, assists, and drawing global attention. More importantly, something clicked internally. On a follow-up appearance on Royal Riot Podcast after he returned to Utah, Luna spoke candidly about where he was before the tournament and what changed:

“I was lacking confidence,” Luna stated bluntly. “I underestimated myself in a lot of categories. Going to the World Cup showed me that I should be very confident—that I need to have the confidence and know that I can do what I’m asked of, with RSL and with the National Team. I need to keep my head down and work—just play the game. Giving the fans a show and creating chances for my team—that’s the thing I love and what I play for.”

Since that return, Luna has evolved from a promising prospect into a complete, game-in-game-out contributor.

RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni, a U.S. World Cup veteran himself, has seen that evolution up close.

“Look back to Luna when he first got here—hesitant to work defensively for the team, he was a really one-sided player,” Mastroeni said. “He’s now doubled down on his work, become our best defender from the front and scores all the goals for our team. It’s a beautiful place from a coaching perspective to have players that are willing to work really hard for the team, work really hard for themselves, and then they end up making the difference in their lives — no one else does.”

That trust — between player and coach, and now between player and national team — is what’s made this Gold Cup call-up possible.

That evolution has translated into more frequent and meaningful looks from U.S. Soccer, first under Gregg Berhalter in a January 2024 friendly against Slovenia and then under Pochettino this past January, and now in a tournament setting with this summer’s Gold Cup squad. It’s the last competitive tournament the U.S. will play in before the 2026 World Cup. 

In a tournament built for testing depth and evaluating trust, Luna will once again be able to prove that he belongs.

Luna’s international status became a talking point after he was controversially left off the U.S. Olympic roster in 2024. Some speculated he might switch his international allegiance to Mexico because he felt disrespected by the USMNT. 

But Luna never said that.

In fact, since arriving in MLS, his stance has been consistent: he’s always been open to representing either country and willing to speak with whoever calls. There’s never been drama—only dedication.

“It’s something you want to work for,” Luna said at a crossbar challenge last fall when asked about the possibility of both nations vying for his presence. “Continue to play and get the eyes on us, and from there, you let God and fate decide what happens, who is going to pull the trigger for you, and who will give the best opportunity.”  

This call-up isn’t a political move or a reactionary olive branch. It’s the natural result of a career built on showing up, improving, and making an impact.

Now Luna’s climbing another step. If he delivers again, he’ll push himself further into the 2026 World Cup conversation. Not as a long shot or luxury pick, but as a legitimate option in the U.S. player pool.

(Images courtesy: John Dorton and Robin Alam via Getty Images)

“It’s exciting to be in that group,” Luna said after training on Wednesday. “It’s another big opportunity for me to prove myself and showcase myself. (I’m going to be) taking advantage of each opportunity I get, leading into the 2026 World Cup.”

Because for all the undeniable talent and eye-catching flair that Diego Luna brings to the pitch, it’s his ability to be counted on when the going gets tough — over 90 minutes, over a season, over multiple camps — that sets him apart.

The Gold Cup will offer a new challenge, but also a new opportunity. The tournament will feature moments that require tactical maturity, physical resilience, and emotional control—all qualities he’s shown in growing doses.

Ask him what he wants to accomplish in this camp, and Luna shares not vague ambitions, but concrete goals.

“Getting as much playing time as I can would be the number one thing,” Luna said. “Getting starts. Earning the trust in the pre-camp. Just making sure that I’m there day in and day out, giving it my all, and producing for the team. Getting assists and creating chances for the team and hopefully scoring my first goal.” 

But he’s also not getting ahead of himself. Luna’s not interested in speculating about playing in the World Cup because he knows he’s gotten where he is by staying in the moment.

“The 2026 squad thing, it’s not in my head right now,” Luna said. “I’m focused on here at RSL right now, and when the time comes to go with the U.S., that’s where I’m focused. So it’s kind of- focus on what you’re doing on that day.”

In a setting with the USMNT that often reveals who’s ready for more responsibility, Luna will get to show the same thing he’s shown since he was three years old: when he’s on the field, he belongs.

For “Moon Boy” the sky has never been the limit- it’s just the next step.