The U.S. Men's National Team has been dealt another tough injury blow just weeks before the 2026 World Cup squad is finalized. Atletico Madrid announced that midfielder Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery on his right ankle after suffering a high-grade sprain last week, casting serious doubt on his availability for the tournament on home soil.
Cardoso's club season ends May 24, and while he hasn't been officially ruled out for the remainder of Atletico's campaign, it's hard to imagine him pulling on the red and white again this term. More concerning for U.S. fans is the recovery timeline. Ankle surgery can sideline a player for months, and with the World Cup just around the corner, every day counts. This latest setback follows a March international break where Cardoso was limited to just 45 minutes against Belgium before returning to Madrid early with an aggravated injury.
The timing couldn't be worse for both player and country. Cardoso had been growing into a formidable all-around midfielder under Diego Simeone since joining from Real Betis, and his physical presence in the center of the park has become vital for the USMNT. He recently made history by starting both legs of Atletico's Champions League semifinal against Arsenal, becoming only the second American—joining Christian Pulisic—to achieve that feat. But recurring injuries have prevented head coach Mauricio Pochettino from relying on him consistently.
While Tyler Adams is back playing for Bournemouth, his own injury history means Pochettino will want multiple defensive midfield options available. Cardoso has been the most logical replacement for Adams when needed, so his absence creates a significant gap. Two midfielders who could benefit most are Tanner Tessmann and Aidan Morris. Tessmann's club season with Lyon ended in late April due to a muscle strain, but he offers versatility by also slotting in at center back—a valuable trait given the team's thin defensive depth. Morris, meanwhile, continues to impress and could see his World Cup chances rise sharply.
With the squad announcement set for May 26, every training session and fitness update now carries extra weight for a team hoping to make a deep run on home soil.