USMNT, Wolfsburg winger Kevin Paredes undergoes surgery on broken foot, World Cup status in jeopardy

Kevin Paredes, the 22-year-old U.S. men's national team winger, underwent surgery for a broken foot - the same injury that sidelined him for the majority of the 2024-25 season at Wolfsburg.

Paredes returned from the initial injury in the spring and featured in preseason for Wolfsburg . However, he had pain in his right foot and opted to undergo a procedure with a specialist in Munich.

“It’s hard to go through this again,” Paredes posted on Instagram. “Unfortunately, I had to undergo another operation on the same foot that put me out of action last season. But I remain focused on my recovery and am determined to come back stronger. 

"I’ll be back soon, ready to give everything for my team!”

Paredes, who has three senior caps, was the breakout star of the 2024 Olympics for the U23 USMNT. He scored two goals and recorded one assist, while leading the team in chances created (11) and fouls drawn (12).

Upon returning to Wolfsburg, he broke his foot in training while preparing for the 2024-25 campaign with the Bundesliga side. It limited him to just two regular-season appearances.

In a statement posted, the German club said: "VfL Wolfsburg will have to do without the services of Kevin Paredes for the foreseeable future after the US winger had an operation on his foot on Monday. The procedure went smoothly, and VfL would like to wish Kevin a full and speedy recovery."

Paredes' injury will mean he will miss both the September and October USMNT senior camps, which puts his World Cup roster hopes in jeopardy.

Paredes was named U.S. Soccer's Young Male Player of the Year in 2023, following in the footsteps of both Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic.

Paredes' Wolfsburg contract expires at the end of the season, and his surgery will sideline him "for the time being," though The Athletic noted a return before October seems unlikely.