USMNT Defender Faces Major Injury Blow Before 2026 FIFA World Cup
The U.S. men’s national soccer team (USMNT) faces a significant setback as defender Cameron Carter-Vickers suffers an Achilles injury. The injury was disclosed by Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, who confirmed that the 27-year-old center back will be sidelined for three to five months.
Carter-Vickers Injury Details
Cameron Carter-Vickers sustained the injury during a Europa League match against Sturm Graz, where he completed the full 90 minutes. Rodgers remarked, “Carter-Vickers looks like he’s done his Achilles, which could be anywhere between three and five months.” This injury marks a critical loss for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Impact on USMNT Roster
- Carter-Vickers had recently been called up for friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.
- He last played for the USMNT in March’s Concacaf Nations League semifinals.
- His absence opens doors for other defenders such as:
- Mark McKenzie
- Miles Robinson
- Auston Trusty
- Walker Zimmerman
- Noahkai Banks
Without Carter-Vickers, the USMNT will also miss him during international friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay scheduled for November. The earliest he could return to action is January. If recovery extends to the full five-month period, he may not be fit until March, just months before the World Cup.
Upcoming USMNT Schedule
The next significant match for the USMNT is the World Cup opener, set for June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Following November’s friendlies, the team is not expected to participate in any official matches until late March.
The injury to Carter-Vickers emphasizes the unpredictability of player health leading up to major tournaments, potentially reshaping the team’s defensive strategy as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
