The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) locked horns with Guatemala in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals at Energizer Park on Wednesday. The USA team, without star winger Christian Pulisic, managed to take a 2-0 lead in the first 15 minutes. It was Diego Luna, who scored a brace, establishing himself as a reliable option in Pulisic’s absence.
United States midfielder Diego Angel Luna (10) celebrates after scoring during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals soccer match against Costa Rica(AP)
Pulisic, the USMNT captain and AC Milan standout, opted out of the tournament, while Luna, a 21-year-old Real Salt Lake midfielder, stepped up, notably in the 4-3 penalty win over Costa Rica. On Wednesday, scored two key goals to give USA the edge vs Guatemala.
Why Christian Pulisic is not playing
Pulisic, 26, chose to skip the 2025 Gold Cup to prioritize rest and recovery after a grueling two seasons, playing approximately 120 matches and logging over 3,500 minutes for AC Milan and the USMNT. He cited physical fatigue and lingering minor injuries, including a chronic hip flexor issue noted in March, as key factors, though it’s unclear if the injury directly prompted his decision.
The winger further emphasized the need to prepare for the 2025-26 European season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating on CBS Sports’ Call It What You Want, “I had to make the best decision for myself and the team.”
Pulisic requested to play in pre-Gold Cup friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland but was declined by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who prioritized roster continuity for the tournament. Pochettino stated, “Players cannot dictate the plan,” and excluded Pulisic from both friendlies and the Gold Cup.
The USMNT is also missing Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, and Gio Reyna due to FIFA Club World Cup commitments, and Yunus Musah and Antonee Robinson for rest or injuries.
Diego Luna vs Christian Pulisic
After Luna’s brace on Wednesday, several fans brought up the Pulisic vs Luna debate.
The versatile midfielder for Real Salt Lake has filled a critical role in the USMNT’s Gold Cup campaign, scoring a goal and assisting in the 2-2 draw against Costa Rica in the quarterfinals, helping secure a 4-3 penalty win.
“Diego Luna is sending a message to Christian Pulisic about who’s gonna wear number 10 for @USMNT in the World Cup…” one fan wrote on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.
“Christian Pulisic might be the “Face” of US Soccer , But Diego Luna is “Captain America” another one added.
The India A men’s hockey team suffered an unfortunate 1-3 loss in its European tour against Belgium at the Sportcentrum WilrijksePlein in Antwerpen, Belgium on Thursday.
Captain Sanjay led his side from the front and scored the solitary goal for the Indian team.
Belgium scored three goals in the first quarter itself, taking an early lead in the match. After the setback, India did well to sustain the pressure, hold possession over the remaining three quarters and even managed to score in the final quarter.
After the match India ‘A’ Coach Shivendra Singh said, “Despite a shaky start, the overall game was very good. We conceded early but did well to bounce back and control the game in the second half. The ball positioning was good and we created a lot of chances, just need to focus on our finishing.”
The India A men’s hockey team will now head to back to Eindhoven to play two crucial matches against The Netherlands on July 18 and July 20 at 21:30 IST and 20:30 IST respectively.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark will not compete in the WNBA All-Star game this weekend, the Rookie of the Year said on Thursday, after missing playing time due to injury.
The all-time collegiate scoring record holder sparked a women’s basketball renaissance in Indianapolis and was expected to be among the main attractions at this weekend’s event in her team’s home market.
She will also miss the 3-Point Contest, where she was set to face off against record-holder Sabrina Ionescu of the reigning champions New York Liberty.
“I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-Point Contest or the All-Star Game. I have to rest my body,” said Clark.
“I will still be at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action and I’m looking forward to helping Sandy (Brondello) coach our team to a win. Can’t wait to see you all out there!”
Clark was sidelined from Wednesday’s game against the Liberty due to a right-groin injury, after missing several more games earlier this season due to a quad injury and left-groin injury.
Clark, who had never missed a collegiate game due to injury, was named one of the team captains for the All-Star Game after receiving the most fan votes with 1,293,526 casting her on their ballots.
“I’m so excited for Indy to host WNBA All-Star this weekend,” Clark said in her statement. “I know this will be the best All-Star yet.”
Saudi Arabia and Qatar drew home advantage in the fourth round of Asia qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.
In October, Qatar will host Group A that also contains the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Saudi Arabia welcomes Iraq and Indonesia into Group B.
The winner of each round-robin group will take Asia’s last two remaining automatic spots at next summer’s tournament, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The teams that finish second will then meet, with the winner progressing to inter-confederation playoffs, which are scheduled for March 2026.
Six teams from Asia secured qualification last month: Japan, Iran, South Korea and Australia have all participated numerous times, while Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their first appearance.
