USMNT’s Brenden Aaronson forced off with injury 26 days before World Cup opener

U.S. midfielder Brenden Aaronson was forced off in the 58th minute of Leeds United's Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday with an apparent left leg injury, raising doubts about his fitness for the 2026 World Cup, which begins in 26 days. The 25-year-old, who had a relatively strong season at Leeds, is expected to be named in USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino's 26-player squad set to be announced within a week. While Aaronson is not a guaranteed starter for the U.S., he was in contention for a substitute role similar to the one he played at the 2022 World Cup.