Johnny Cardoso injury leaves USA World Cup hopes shaken as Mauricio Pochettino faces painful midfield crisis

Johnny Cardoso was expected to play a big role for the United States at the upcoming World Cup. But with the tournament now just weeks away, the American team has been dealt a major setback after the midfielder suffered a serious ankle injury that will keep him out of the competition. Spanish club Atlético Madrid confirmed on Monday that Johnny Cardoso needs surgery on his right ankle after medical tests showed damage beyond the original sprain. The 24-year-old midfielder, who was born in New Jersey, was seen as one of Mauricio Pochettino’s most important midfield options heading into the tournament.

The World Cup begins on June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa. The United States will play its opening match one day later against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Cardoso’s absence now leaves a major hole in the middle of the field at a crucial time for the team. There is also growing concern around injuries inside the squad. Forward Patrick Agyemang was already ruled out in April after tearing his Achilles while playing for English club Derby County. On top of that, American star Christian Pulisic is currently dealing with a back issue that forced him to miss AC Milan’s recent match against Atalanta. While Milan reportedly believes the injury is not serious, the timing still worries fans with the World Cup getting closer.

Sebastian Berhalter could benefit after Johnny Cardoso injury shakes Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup plans

With Johnny Cardoso now unavailable, Sebastian Berhalter may have a stronger chance of making the final United States squad. The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder impressed again over the weekend when he scored his team’s equalizer in a 1-1 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. Even before Cardoso’s injury details became public, Berhalter spoke warmly about his national teammate after the game.

“He’s such a nice guy, and to be honest, I hope he’s there,” Sebastian Berhalter said.

“I hope he can recover and he’s someone that deserves to play for the national team, 100 percent, and he’s such a good player and hopefully he can take it back.”

Berhalter, the son of former USMNT head coach Greg Berhalter, has continued to build momentum with strong performances in Major League Soccer. Cardoso’s injury may now open the door wider for him before Mauricio Pochettino announces his final 26-man roster on May 26. The United States will play two warmup matches before the World Cup starts. The team faces Senegal on May 31 in Charlotte before taking on Germany on June 6 in Chicago. After that, the squad will train in Irvine, California, ahead of the group stage.

Following their opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles, the Americans will travel to Seattle to face Australia on June 19. The group stage then ends with a difficult match against Turkey back in Los Angeles on June 25. For now, though, the biggest focus remains on Johnny Cardoso. Losing one of the team’s key midfielders so close to the World Cup is a painful blow for Mauricio Pochettino and the United States at one of the most important moments before the tournament begins.


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