The United States men's national team has suffered a significant blow just weeks before the World Cup, as midfielder Johnny Cardoso is set to miss the tournament due to a right ankle injury requiring surgery. The 24-year-old, who plays for Spanish club Atletico Madrid, sprained his ankle during training last week, and the procedure typically demands months of recovery—a timeline that clashes cruelly with the World Cup's start in just one month.

Atletico Madrid announced the surgery on Monday but did not provide a specific timetable for Cardoso's return or confirm when or where the operation will take place. This news is a tough pill to swallow for U.S. fans, especially given Cardoso's growing role in the national team setup since his debut in 2020. With 23 appearances for the Stars and Stripes, he has been a reliable presence in midfield, known for his defensive instincts and ability to transition play.

The timing couldn't be worse. The U.S. opens its World Cup campaign on June 13 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, followed by group-stage matches against Australia and Turkey in Group D. Coach Mauricio Pochettino now faces the challenge of reshaping his midfield plans without Cardoso, who was expected to provide depth and energy in a crucial area of the pitch. For a team aiming to make a deep run on home soil, this injury is a stark reminder of the fine margins in tournament football.