Johnny Cardoso ankle injury threatens World Cup spot with USMNT
Theo Al Jazeera English
Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso needs surgery on his right ankle after a severe sprain, putting his place in the US World Cup squad at risk. The 24-year-old's absence adds to a growing injury list that already includes Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah and Tanner Tessmann ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Atletico Madrid confirmed on Thursday that midfielder Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery on his right ankle after suffering a severe sprain during training last week. The injury, described as a serious ligament issue affecting the joint, sidelines the 24-year-old for an indefinite period.
The news is a blow for the US national team as Cardoso, in his debut season with Atletico, has already struggled with fitness setbacks. During the March international window, he only managed 45 minutes in a friendly against Belgium.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to name his 26-man World Cup squad later this month, but a string of US players are battling injuries. Captain Christian Pulisic is dealing with a muscle problem, while midfielders Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille) and Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon) remain under medical observation.
The United States co-hosts the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. They face Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6 in friendlies before opening Group D against Paraguay on June 12 in California. Other group opponents are Australia and Turkey.
