As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America continues, excitement is building, particularly in the United States, which will host 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches. Diego Luna, a member of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), expressed his views on this significant moment for soccer in an interview with TMZ Sports. He highlighted the World Cup as a pivotal opportunity for the sport’s growth in the country.
Luna described the upcoming World Cup as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us.” He emphasized its importance, stating, “I think for the country itself, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 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.”
Impending Global Events and Team Dynamics
The World Cup is not the only major event on the horizon. In just over two years, Los Angeles is set to host the 2028 Olympics, further elevating the profile of sports in the region. Luna reflected on the talent within the USMNT as they prepare for these significant events. He noted the diversity of skills among the team members, stating, “I think we have a lot of different guys, a lot of different attributes that guys bring to the team, which is very different.”
Luna pointed out that the current team is not the traditional U.S. Soccer Team. “We got a lot of guys that bring different things to the team, different quality of players. I think all together with the right mindset, it leads to a really good team and performances like we just had.”
Advocating for Mental Health in Sports
In addition to discussing soccer, Luna also touched upon the growing awareness of mental health issues among athletes. He highlighted the importance of campaigns like “Love, Your Mind,” which encourage athletes to speak openly about their mental health challenges. Luna’s comments reflect a broader trend in sports, where mental health is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of overall well-being.
As the soccer community gears up for these monumental events, Luna’s insights provide a glimpse into the potential impact of the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics on the future of soccer in the United States. With the right mindset and support, the momentum for soccer in America could reach unprecedented heights.
