Catarina Macario sidelined for rest of NWSL season, World Cup availability in doubt

Injury troubles are nothing new to USWNT and San Diego Wave forward Catarina Macario. She was forced to miss the 2023 World Cup after tearing her ACL the year before. In 2024, a separate knee issue forced her off the U.S. Olympic roster. Unfortunately, Macario could be at risk of missing yet another major tournament.

After making the move to the Wave in March, Macario is yet to make her NWSL debut because of a heel injury. On Monday, the club announced that Macario has been added to the season-ending injury list, meaning she won't be playing for San Diego in 2026. Less than a year from the 2027 Women's World Cup, this is the kind of injury setback that puts Macario's availability for next summer in doubt.

What's Macario's issue?

In a way, Macario has never fully made it back from her 2022 ACL tear. Even after finishing her rehab for that injury, she dealt with "irritation" in the knee, which is what kept her out of the last Olympics. Last year, she started to look the part of a fully fit player, scoring eight goals in 10 games after making just two total appearances for the national team across 2023 and 2024.

For better or worse, Macario's knee is not her current issue, at least not the main issue. A non-descript "heel" injury has been her official designation on San Diego's weekly injury report this season. However, Macario also had a minor procedure performed on her knee earlier this year. That could be further complicating her return to the field, adding another element of certainty in Macario's recovery.

Is the 2027 World Cup realistic for Macario?

San Diego's announcement on Monday that Macario will be added to the season-ending injury list didn't come with a return date. The good news is that she has five months until the start of the 2027 NWSL season. Even if we don't know her exact injury, that should be enough time for Macario to get back to full health.

In theory, if Macario can be ready for the 2027 NWSL season, she should be healthy enough to play in next summer's World Cup. However, not playing at all in 2026 will certainly put her behind in the competition to secure a roster spot. It's no secret that the USWNT is deep when it comes to attacking players. If Macario isn't fully fit or can't get herself back in good form by next summer, there are plenty of other players who can take that spot instead.

On the bright side, Macario's eight goals last year were a good reminder to Emma Hayes of what she brings to the table. Hayes also knows Macario well from their time at Chelsea together. Macario is a proven goalscorer and a versatile attacking player who can be used at multiple positions. She's among the USWNT's best options at the No. 9 position, while also being able to play as an attacking midfielder.

If she weren't available, the USWNT would surely miss Macario's presence at the World Cup next summer. Since she was born in Brazil, the host country, missing the tournament would be a huge blow to Macario, especially since injuries kept her out of the last two major tournaments. While there is plenty of time for Macario to get healthy and secure a roster spot, missing a full season, especially given her history, casts some level of doubt over whether Macario will be able to play at the 2027 World Cup.