UPDATE: The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on, and excitement is building as soccer prepares for a historic moment in the United States. With the U.S. hosting 78 of the 104 matches, U.S. Men’s National Team member Diego Luna emphasizes the significance of this event, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Speaking exclusively to TMZ Sports at LAX, Luna expressed the immense stakes involved, stating, “I think for the country itself, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” His enthusiasm reflects the growing popularity of soccer in America and the potential for the World Cup to elevate the sport to new heights.
The 2026 World Cup is not just a major sporting event; it represents a pivotal moment for soccer’s future in the U.S. Luna believes that this tournament could be the catalyst for making soccer a mainstream sport in the country. “The soccer is built here so much and to now have the World Cup come here… it’s the biggest opportunity to take that big step into making soccer a super popular sport here,” he added.
Looking ahead, the excitement doesn’t stop with the World Cup. In just over two years, Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, further solidifying the city as a hub for international sports. Luna’s confidence in the U.S. Men’s National Team heading into these crucial years is palpable. He noted the diverse talents within the squad, stating, “We have a lot of different guys, a lot of different attributes… This isn’t your original U.S. Soccer Team.”
As the team prepares for these monumental events, Luna highlighted the importance of teamwork and mindset for achieving success on the global stage. “With the right mindset, it leads to a really good team and performances like we just had,” he said.
In addition to discussing soccer, Luna touched upon the “Love, Your Mind” campaign, which encourages athletes to openly address mental health issues. His comments resonate with many athletes today who are advocating for greater transparency and support regarding personal challenges.
This urgent update comes as fans across the nation eagerly anticipate what these upcoming tournaments will mean for the future of soccer in America. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, the momentum is building. Stay tuned for more developments as we approach this historic event!
