The injury occurred in late April or early May during a training session, initially diagnosed as a severe sprain that forced him out of further club duties this season. Further assessments revealed additional damage requiring surgical intervention, effectively ending his hopes of featuring in a tournament where the US opens against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Sources indicate US Soccer has been in close contact with Atlético, but the consensus is that Cardoso will not recover in time. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in midfield depth, where versatility and defensive solidity were expected to be assets.
This development comes amid a broader wave of fitness concerns for American players abroad. Christian Pulisic, the US captain and talisman, missed AC Milan's recent Serie A clash against Atalanta due to a gluteal muscle strain. The 27-year-old was withdrawn from the squad entirely for the match, a precautionary measure as Milan battles for Champions League qualification. While the issue is described as minor by some Italian reports, its timing barely a month before the World Cup has raised eyebrows, especially given Pulisic's goal drought in 2026 and the weight of expectation on his shoulders as the team's primary creator.
Pulisic has spoken previously about maintaining positivity through challenging spells. In March, he noted, "I know a ball will hit off my knee and go in and then things will change. I’m not going to panic. Better now than in the summer." His leadership and ability to produce in big moments remain central to US hopes, but the recent dip in club output and this latest muscular setback add layers of uncertainty as camp approaches in late May.
On the flanks, Timothy Weah also sat out Olympique de Marseille's weekend fixture with a muscle injury. The 26-year-old, who has enjoyed a relatively healthy campaign overall, is expected to be available for Marseille's season finale, according to reports from L'Equipe. Weah's versatility, whether at right back, wing-back, or in forward roles has made him a valuable squad piece, though he remains in competition for a starting berth. His experience, including a World Cup goal in the past, provides reassurance even if his immediate fitness requires monitoring.
Tanner Tessmann, the Lyon midfielder, suffered a muscle strain that will sideline him for the remainder of the Ligue 1 season, as confirmed by his manager Paulo Fonseca. "Tanner has a muscle strain; he won't play until the end of the season," Fonseca stated. Despite missing Lyon's final matches, sources close to the situation indicate the injury is not expected to jeopardise his World Cup availability. Tessmann, with his ability to play in midfield or drop into defence, had been building a strong case for inclusion or even a starting role, adding to the depth challenges created by Cardoso's absence.
These setbacks arrive at a delicate moment. Pochettino is due to name his roster around May 26, with friendlies against Senegal and Germany looming as key preparation opportunities. The US benefits from significant midfield and attacking depth, names like Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, and Cristian Roldan could see elevated roles but the cluster of issues tests the squad's resilience as it prepares to host the world's premier tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
For a young squad that has shown promise under Pochettino, these injuries underscore the fine margins of elite football. Cardoso's surgery, while a personal disappointment, offers a clear path to full recovery ahead of the next club campaign. Pulisic, Weah, and Tessmann appear closer to availability, yet their management in the coming days will be pivotal. As the nation readies itself to host, the hope is that these hurdles prove temporary, allowing the USMNT to showcase its talent on the grandest stage without the shadow of avoidable absences. The tournament's home advantage remains a powerful asset, but fitness and form will ultimately dictate how far this group can progress.
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