The United States Men’s National Team just suffered one of its biggest blows ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Johnny Cardoso is expected to miss the tournament after sustaining a serious right ankle injury that now requires surgery, according to multiple reports and confirmation from Atlético Madrid.
With the World Cup beginning in just weeks, the timing could not be worse for Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT.
A Brutal Timing for the USMNT
Cardoso reportedly suffered the ankle injury during training with Atlético Madrid last week. Initial optimism faded after further medical evaluations determined surgery would be necessary.
The 24-year-old midfielder had become an increasingly important piece of the U.S. midfield pool thanks to:
- strong defensive positioning
- composure under pressure
- progressive passing ability
- experience in La Liga and European competition
Atlético Madrid did not officially announce a recovery timetable, but recovery from this type of procedure typically takes several months—effectively ruling him out of the World Cup.
The injury comes at a disastrous moment for the Americans, who open the tournament June 13 against Paraguay. (A
Why Cardoso’s Absence Matters
Cardoso may not have been the biggest star on the roster, but his role was becoming increasingly valuable.
Since debuting for the national team in 2020, he earned 23 appearances and provided much-needed midfield balance. (F
His absence now creates several problems for head coach Mauricio Pochettino:
- reduced midfield depth
- fewer defensive midfield options
- increased pressure on Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie
- possible tactical reshuffling before the tournament
The situation becomes even more concerning because several other U.S. players are already managing injuries or recovery concerns. Reports indicate Tanner Tessmann, Tim Weah, and Christian Pulisic have all dealt with recent fitness issues.
Atlético Madrid Season Ends in Frustration
Cardoso’s first season with Atlético Madrid had already been challenging due to intermittent injury issues. Still, he had begun establishing himself as a reliable rotational midfielder within Diego Simeone’s system.
The former Real Betis midfielder was expected to play an important role both for club and country moving forward.
Now, the focus shifts entirely toward recovery.
According to reports, surgery is expected to take place in Spain, with hopes that Cardoso can return before Atlético’s preseason preparations later this summer.
What This Means for the United States
The U.S. entered the 2026 World Cup hoping to take advantage of home-soil momentum and one of the most talented player pools in modern program history.
Now, depth concerns are becoming a major storyline.
Cardoso’s injury likely opens the door for fringe midfielders battling for final roster spots, including:
- Cristian Roldan
- Sebastian Berhalter
- other late-camp midfield options (N
Pochettino’s final squad announcement later this month suddenly becomes much more complicated.
And with the tournament approaching fast, the margin for additional injuries is shrinking rapidly.
Join the Conversation
How big of a loss is Johnny Cardoso for the USMNT? And who should replace him in Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup midfield plans?
Share your thoughts in the comments and follow the latest soccer coverage as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.