Atlético Madrid midfielder Cardoso is the latest name on co-hosts the United States’ injury list.
Published May 12, 2026
Atlético Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery on his right ankle, the La Liga club announced, dealing a major blow to America’s hopes of competing at next month’s World Cup.
“Cardoso was injured during training last Thursday, suffering a severe sprain affecting his joints,” Atlético said in a statement on Monday.
It is the latest setback for Cardoso, whose debut season at Atletico was hampered by injury. The 24-year-old also had limited minutes in the international match in March, playing just 45 minutes in a friendly against Belgium.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to announce his 26-man World Cup squad later this month, but the co-hosts are already facing injury concerns.
Captain Christian Pulisic recently missed the AC Milan match due to a muscle problem, while Olympique Marseille winger Tim Weah and Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Tanner Tessmann also missed out.
The United States, co-hosting with Mexico and Canada, will play warm-up games against Senegal on May 31st and Germany on June 6th, before opening Group D against Paraguay in California on June 12th.
They will also play against Australia and Turkiye in the World Cup.
