WHAT’S NEXT?
Alexi Lalas commented on Johnny Cardoso`s position within the USMNT setup, following reports of the midfielder`s potential transfer from Real Betis to Atletico Madrid. Cardoso, 23, is reportedly close to joining Atletico after a strong season with Betis, but his international performances have been inconsistent. Lalas argued that even if Cardoso joins Atletico, his current level for the national team isn`t high enough to warrant changing the USMNT`s system to accommodate him.
WHAT ALEXI LALAS SAID
Speaking on his “State of the Union” podcast, Lalas responded to a question about the potential oddity of Cardoso playing for Atletico in La Liga and the Champions League yet not starting for the USMNT. Lalas called it “crazy on the surface” but explained it exemplifies the idea that a team is built on the “best collection of players,” not just individuals, referencing Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT.
He continued by saying that despite Cardoso`s quality, he isn`t currently at a level for the national team where the system should be fundamentally altered for him. Therefore, Cardoso needs to adapt to the USMNT`s setup, which, according to Lalas, he hasn`t successfully done. Lalas noted that Cardoso has failed to replicate the strong club form that earned him national team call-ups.
Lalas expressed confusion over Cardoso`s starkly different performances for club and country, suggesting that if he doesn`t resolve this discrepancy, he risks being excluded from the 2026 World Cup squad.
“Whatever the reason,” Lalas stated, “when he gets on that plane or puts on that shirt, it disappears. He needs to improve his performance for the national team, or I don`t believe he`ll be on the roster next summer. This might surprise many people and cause backlash, but perhaps it reinforces the point we made earlier about Pochettino and team cohesion.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Cardoso`s potential transfer to Atletico Madrid marks a major progression in his club career, potentially joining a top Spanish team. However, Lalas`s remarks underscore the persistent gap between Cardoso`s club form and his contributions to the national team. As the 2026 World Cup nears, the midfielder`s capacity to replicate his expected La Liga performance on the international stage will be crucial for the USMNT`s tactical approach.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Cardoso is currently with the USMNT participating in the Gold Cup. The team is scheduled to play Costa Rica in the quarterfinals on June 29.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood