Cardoso out of World Cup

Cardoso, who plays for Atletico Madrid, sustained the injury during a recent match and is expected to undergo a lengthy rehabilitation process.

His absence leaves a significant gap in the U.S. midfield as the team prepares to face Paraguay in its opening game.

Pochettino now faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement within a 'golden generation' of talent that has faced several recent injury setbacks.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, was expected to be a career-defining moment for the 24-year-old midfielder.