USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso to miss Portugal game with leg injury

The 23-year-old sustained the injury during training ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in red, white, and blue hues, depicting the fractured action of a soccer match with overlapping planes and shapes, representing the challenges the USMNT faces without injured midfielder Johnny Cardoso.The USMNT's depth will be tested as they look to overcome the loss of key midfielder Johnny Cardoso for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Portugal.Philadelphia Today

United States men's national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso will miss the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Portugal due to a leg injury sustained during training, the team announced on Thursday. Cardoso, a 23-year-old who plays professionally for Internacional in Brazil's top division, has been a regular fixture in the USMNT midfield over the past year.

Why it matters

Cardoso's absence is a significant blow for the USMNT, as he has been a key contributor in the team's push to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The match against Portugal is a crucial one, as both teams are vying for a spot in the tournament.

The details

The nature and severity of Cardoso's injury were not immediately disclosed, but the team said he will remain in Philadelphia to undergo further evaluation and treatment. The USMNT is already dealing with several other injury concerns, including the status of veteran defender Tim Ream, who also picked up a knock in training.

  • Cardoso sustained the injury during USMNT training on March 28, 2026.
  • The USMNT is scheduled to face Portugal in a World Cup qualifier on March 31, 2026.

The players

Johnny Cardoso

A 23-year-old midfielder for the United States men's national team who plays professionally for Internacional in Brazil's top division.

Tim Ream

A veteran defender for the United States men's national team.

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What they’re saying

“Losing Johnny is a big blow, but we have a deep squad and I'm confident the other guys will step up in his absence.”

— Gregg Berhalter, USMNT Head Coach

What’s next

The USMNT will continue training in Philadelphia ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against Portugal on March 31, 2026.

The takeaway

Cardoso's injury is a significant setback for the USMNT, but the team's depth will be tested as they look to secure a crucial World Cup qualifying result against a tough Portugal side.