El Paso, Texas, proudly sees two of its own, Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro Zendejas, earn spots on the United States’ 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Pepi, who plays as a striker for PSV Eindhoven, makes a return to the national team after missing out on the 2022 World Cup. His journey back to the international stage is a testament to his perseverance and skill.

Alejandro Zendejas, currently showcasing his talents with Club América, has secured his first World Cup call-up. His consistent performance has not gone unnoticed, and he will now have the opportunity to shine on soccer’s biggest stage.

Diego Luna’s Surprising Omission

In a surprising twist, Diego Luna, a former standout for the El Paso Locomotive and a rising star with Real Salt Lake and the USMNT, was left off the final squad. Luna’s omission has left many fans and analysts puzzled, as he was considered a strong candidate for the roster following his impressive performances.

The decision to exclude Luna from the roster has sparked discussions among soccer enthusiasts, highlighting the competitive nature of the selection process. Despite this setback, Luna’s future in soccer remains promising, and his contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated by the El Paso community.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.