The U.S. Men’s National Team has been dealt a major blow just months before the FIFA World Cup on home soil, as midfielder Johnny Cardoso is set to undergo surgery on his right ankle—an injury that threatens to sideline him for the tournament entirely.
Atletico Madrid confirmed the news on Monday, revealing that the 24-year-old American “suffered a high-grade sprain with joint involvement” during a training session last Thursday. While the club initially withheld specifics following their Champions League semi-final exit to Arsenal, they have now announced that surgery is necessary to repair the damage.
“Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery to repair the injury to his right ankle,” Atletico stated. “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.”
Though no official recovery timeline was provided, sources told The Athletic that Cardoso is expected to be sidelined until at least Atletico’s preseason, effectively ruling him out of the World Cup. For USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, this is a crushing setback—especially given the mounting injury concerns in the midfield.
Cardoso’s absence joins a growing list of worries for Pochettino. Fellow defensive midfielder Tanner Tessmann recently suffered a season-ending muscle strain with Lyon, as confirmed by head coach Paulo Fonseca. Tessmann, whom Pochettino had praised for his versatility and ability to also play center back, now faces an uncertain timeline for recovery ahead of the World Cup.
Adding to the concern, Tyler Adams has struggled to stay fit this season, managing just 23 Premier League appearances for AFC Bournemouth. With three key midfield options now in doubt, Pochettino’s depth chart is looking thinner by the day.
For Cardoso, this is a heartbreaking turn of events. The dynamic midfielder was poised to play a pivotal role in a World Cup on American soil—a dream that now hangs in the balance. As the countdown to the tournament continues, all eyes will be on his recovery and on Pochettino’s ability to adapt.