United States men’s national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso is set to undergo ankle surgery, a procedure that is expected to rule him out of the upcoming World Cup.
The 24-year-old, who joined Atletico Madrid from Real Betis last summer, suffered a high ankle sprain during training, as first reported by The Athletic on May 7. The injury had already cast doubt on his availability for next month’s tournament.
“Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery to repair the injury to his right ankle,” Atletico Madrid confirmed in a statement on Monday. “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.”
Club sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, indicated to The Athletic that Cardoso is expected to be sidelined at least until pre-season. Atletico had previously stated that he would undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym, with his return date depending on recovery progress.
Cardoso’s absence deals a heavy blow to the USMNT’s midfield depth ahead of the World Cup. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is scheduled to announce his squad for the tournament on May 26 in New York City. The midfielder has earned 23 caps for the United States, but has only played once since last year’s Gold Cup — an 11-minute appearance in a March friendly against Belgium. The Athletic has reached out to the USMNT for comment.
In his debut season in the Spanish capital, Cardoso made 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring once in the Champions League as Atletico reached the competition’s semi-finals. He also helped the club reach the final of the Copa del Rey, where they lost to Real Sociedad on penalties on April 18.
The USMNT, who will co-host the World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, have upcoming friendlies against Senegal (May 31) and Germany (June 6). Pochettino’s side have been drawn into Group D, where they will face Paraguay (June 13), Australia (June 19), and Turkey (June 26).
Who could replace Cardoso in the USMNT’s midfield?
Analysis from senior soccer writer Paul Tenorio indicates that Cardoso’s injury opens a critical spot in Pochettino’s roster. With Tanner Tessmann also sidelined for the rest of the season at Lyon, questions arise over whether Pochettino will bring in another central midfielder of similar profile. Players such as Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Aidan Morris, and perhaps even Jack McGlynn could see their stock rise due to Cardoso’s absence.
There could also be a trickle-down effect elsewhere. Pochettino has Weston McKennie, who can drop into a deeper role. With Cardoso out, the coach might opt to bring an additional attacking midfielder or winger, potentially boosting chances for Gio Reyna or Alejandro Zendejas — or even a surprise pick. The decision will ultimately depend on where Pochettino wants to add depth.
