Johnny Cardoso does not play against Panama and everyone wants to know the reason for his absence

The new era of U.S. Soccer under Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino kicked off on a curious note as the team faced Panama in their first match. One notable absentee from the starting lineup was Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso, sparking questions among fans and pundits alike.

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The Q2 Stadium in Austin was the stage for Pochettino's debut as the USMNT coach. As the United States looks to rebound from a disappointing Copa América and set their sights on the 2026 World Cup, where they will co-host with Mexico and Canada, fans were eager to see the new coach's vision in action. However, the absence of Cardoso added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the match.

Cardoso, a promising young talent, has been a regular fixture in the U.S. youth national teams and has been making waves in La Liga with Real Betis. His absence from the starting lineup has raised questions about his fitness, tactics, or potential disciplinary issues.

While the official reason for Cardoso's absence has not been publicly disclosed, speculation is rife among fans and media. Some have suggested that it could be a tactical decision by Pochettino, while others believe that a minor injury or illness may have prevented him from participating.

As the USMNT embarks on this new chapter under Pochettino, the absence of Cardoso is a talking point that will undoubtedly continue to generate discussion. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs in the absence of one of their most promising young players and to learn more about Pochettino's plans for the future.