USMNT Faces Injury Setback Before 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, commencing in June, but the United States men’s soccer team is grappling with a significant injury setback.
On Monday, Atletico Madrid announced that Johnny Cardoso, a midfielder for the USMNT, will undergo surgery on his right ankle after sustaining a “high-grade sprain with joint involvement.”
Although Cardoso was not expected to be a starter for the USMNT, he was among the finalists being considered for the squad. He participated in the U.S. camp in March, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino will reveal his 26-man roster on May 26, before training camp begins on May 27.
Team USA is scheduled to play friendlies against Senegal on May 31 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Germany on June 6 in Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, questions arise regarding midfielder Tanner Tessmann, who is also nursing an injury, adding to the challenges for the USMNT just one month before the World Cup kicks off.
The USMNT will compete in Group D, with their first match against Paraguay set for June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.