At the time, who knew a broken nose would change the course of the U.S. men’s national team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Diego Luna is in the spotlight after scoring three goals in two playoff games for the USMNT in the Gold Cup. The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake star has come a long way to earn a starting spot in the national team's most important tournament of the year.

It was a statement from Diego Luna and the USMNT to book their place in the Concacaf Gold Cup final following a 2-1 victory over Guatemala on Wednesday. Luna scored in the fourth minute of play before completing his brace in only 15 minutes with an audacious finish,