HERRIMAN, Utah – Diego Luna, the 21-year-old midfielder for Real Salt Lake, has become a rising figure in U.S. soccer following his standout performance during the recent Gold Cup, where he scored three goals for the USMNT. Returning to training with RSL this week, Luna shared insights from his international experience and how it has fueled his determination to excel at the club level and pursue a spot on the 2026 World Cup roster.

Luna described his month-long stint with the national team as unforgettable.

“I think the support that we received was crazy, and I think everybody gave us that extra motivation that we needed. To represent your country at an international level is a feeling that you can’t really put into words. The amount of proud, and honor, and grateful you are to be there to represent the crest is awesome.”

—Diego Luna, Real Salt Lake Midfielder

Lessons From the National Team Shape Luna’s Approach at Real Salt Lake

Facing the demanding national team schedule posed challenges in balancing training, travel, and gameplay, but Luna found the experience invaluable.

“I think recovery is very important. That’s something that this camp has taught me. Recovery and taking advantage of the staff here and the people that are here, you know, trying to help you, really goes a long way.”

Luna emphasized how these lessons in recovery and support services will enhance his contributions to Real Salt Lake moving forward.

More than just physical readiness, the Gold Cup experience strengthened Luna’s leadership skills. He spoke about the importance of carrying the confidence and mindset gained internationally back to his club environment.

“Going over there and performing for your country and doing very well, and now bringing that here, and keeping that same mindset,”

Luna said.

“To perform here, to help players, help the team on the field. But even off the field, being more of a leader.”

Chasing a Spot on the 2026 World Cup Team

Although the United States fell just short of Gold Cup glory, losing 2-1 to Mexico in the final, Luna views the tournament as pivotal to his development and aspirations for the World Cup next summer. The chance to pit himself against some of the world’s best has only strengthened his resolve.

“I think that was one of the coolest things, is that I put myself to test against great players around the world that are playing at very high levels,”

he said.

“It really boosts my confidence for one of them because it really showed me that I can perform at these levels.”

On whether his Gold Cup success will lead to a World Cup roster spot, Luna emphasized the importance of his club performance as the foundation.

“I think every opportunity to get to wear the crest, you have to take it, right? And I think every chance you get in, every time you perform, is another step closer, right?”

Luna said confidently.

“But at the end of the day, you spend 85 percent of the time here with your club, all the players do. So I think performing with your club is the biggest thing. Now, when you go back to put on the crest, it’s about performing in those moments, and what you’ve done leading up to that, to allow you to have a good week with the national team. So I think the biggest thing is to continue to perform here with RSL.”

Looking Ahead: Real Salt Lake and Upcoming Fixtures

Having absorbed the momentum from his international success, Luna is laser-focused on maximizing his impact for Real Salt Lake this season. RSL will next face Houston Dynamo at America First Field on Saturday, July 12, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT. The club’s supporters eagerly anticipate seeing how Luna’s growth translates into the club’s performances through the remainder of the campaign.

Major League Soccer matches, including Real Salt Lake games, are available on Apple TV with MLS Season Pass, while local fans can follow English-language radio coverage on KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM/1280 AM) and KSL Newsradio (102.7 FM/1160 AM), both part of the Bonneville International network.

Real Salt Lake’s Recent Form and Community Engagement

Real Salt Lake recently delivered a thrilling performance, outlasting St. Louis City in an intense match full of fireworks. The team has also faced tight contests, as seen in a recent 1-1 draw and a shutout victory against D.C. United, featuring legendary goalkeeper Nick Rimando in attendance. These results highlight both the resilience and potential within the squad as they build toward greater goals.

Fans seeking deeper coverage of the team can subscribe to The RSL Show and engage with updates on social media platforms such as Instagram. Meanwhile, the newly updated KSL Sports app offers live radio and video streaming to keep the community closely connected with the team’s journey.

Diego Luna’s Rising Role Embodies Real Salt Lake’s Ambitions

Diego Luna’s recent achievements have elevated his status as a vital component for both Real Salt Lake and the United States men’s national team. His experience from the Gold Cup has sharpened his skills, enhanced his leadership qualities, and fueled his ambition to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup squad. As he channels this momentum back into Major League Soccer, Luna’s continued growth represents a significant opportunity for RSL’s future success and for U.S. soccer’s international prospects.