Atletico Madrid announce USMNT star Johnny Cardoso to undergo ankle surgery, putting World Cup in doubt

Cardoso has impressed at Atleti after earning a big-money move from Real Betis last season. The New Jersey native has made 30 appearances in all competitions and proved to be a solid midfield piece for Diego Simeone's rugged side. He has cemented a starting spot in recent months and seems primed to continue playing a major role for the team going forward.

However, his 2025-26 season has officially come to an end due to an ankle injury suffered in training. Atletico Madrid clarified that the injury has since been diagnosed as a high-grade sprain with joint involvement and that it will require surgery.

"Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery to repair the injury to his right ankle," the club said in a statement. "The American suffered a trauma during training last Thursday that resulted in a high-grade sprain with joint involvement.

"We send you lots of encouragement and strength, Johnny, and wish you a speedy and full recovery from your injury."

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has repeatedly experimented with his midfield, but Cardoso, when fit, has gotten his opportunity under the Argentine manager. Cardoso was, at the very least, a contender to start for the USMNT this summer and, due to his Champions League pedigree, could have been an important piece in central midfield alongside Tyler Adams.

Yet the U.S. do have depth at this position. Tanner Tessmann, Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter, and Cristian Roldan have all impressed under Pochettino. Tessmann, however, is dealing with an injury of his own, albeit one that is not expected to impact his World Cup hopes.

Cardoso's injury could also be an opportunity for the versatile Yunus Musah to make a case for a place in the team.

Cardoso's knock is a blow for a U.S. side that has otherwise used the last few months to return to full fitness. Antonee Robinson, after struggling with knee and muscle injuries, is now playing regularly for Fulham. Meanwhile, Sergino Dest made his long-anticipated return for PSV recently after a couple of months out with a hamstring issue.

Pochettino will hope he can pick from a mostly fit squad ahead of a home World Cup, although there will be a few notable absences. Aside from Cardoso, Patrick Agyemang is also set to miss the World Cup due to an Achilles injury, while James Sands and John Tolkin, who have both been on the fringes of the squad, have also battled injuries as of late.

The USMNT's squad will be announced on May 26 in New York ahead of two pre-tournament friendlies. Up first will be a match against Senegal in Charlotte before the U.S. faces Germany in Chicago in their final pre-World Cup tune-up. Once the tournament gets going, the U.S. will face Paraguay, Australia and Turkey in the group stage.