The United States men's national team has suffered a significant setback just weeks before the World Cup, as key midfielder Johnny Cardoso has been ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. His club, Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, confirmed on Monday that the 24-year-old requires surgery on his right ankle after medical tests revealed a high-grade sprain that also caused damage to the joint itself.
A Major Blow for USA's World Cup Hopes
Cardoso, who hails from New Jersey, was widely expected to be a fixture in Mauricio Pochettino's starting lineup for the tournament. His absence leaves a substantial gap in the midfield, as he had been a consistent performer in the buildup to the World Cup. The injury comes at the worst possible time, with the competition just over a month away.
World Cup Schedule and Impact
The World Cup is set to begin on June 11, with Mexico hosting South Africa in the opening match. The United States will kick off their campaign a day later, facing Paraguay in Los Angeles. Cardoso's absence will force Pochettino to reconsider his tactical plans and potentially call up a replacement from the pool of available players.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the USMNT finalizes its squad for the tournament.
