Pepi, Zendejas headed to World Cup; Former Locomotive star Diego Luna left off roster

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- On Tuesday it was made official.

The U.S. Men’s National Team announced the 26 players who will be suiting up for the red, white and blue at this year's FIFA World Cup.

El Paso will have two hometown representatives on soccer's biggest stage as Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro Zendejas officially earned spots on the roster.

Pepi, the PSV Eindhoven striker, returns to the national spotlight after missing the 2022 World Cup roster, while Zendejas' strong form with Club América helped secure his first World Cup call-up.

The news of Team USA's official roster was leaked by the Guardian over the weekend, so it was no surprise Pepi and Zendejas had made the cut.

Meanwhile, former El Paso Locomotive midfielder Diego Luna was left off the final squad in one of the roster's biggest surprises. Luna had emerged as a strong candidate following standout performances with Real Salt Lake and the USMNT, making his omission a shocking development for many fans.

Team USA USA will kick off its World Cup campaign in Group D against Paraguay on June 12, in Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).