United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso is almost certain to miss the 2026 World Cup after Atletico Madrid announced he will undergo surgery on a damaged right ankle sustained in training.
The procedure, scheduled for the coming days, is expected to sideline the 24‑year‑old through the tournament and into Atletico’s pre‑season preparations.
Sources close to the Spanish club say the injury began as a high‑grade ankle sprain, first reported last week, but further scans revealed underlying structural damage that makes surgery necessary.
Atletico has not released a detailed recovery calendar, yet internal timelines circulating in Madrid suggest Cardoso will not be available for the World Cup, which begins in exactly one month.
The setback strikes at a pivotal moment in Cardoso’s career. Having emerged as a regular in Atletico’s midfield and a key figure for the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino, he was widely expected to anchor the Americans’ central engine room this summer.
His absence forces Pochettino to recalibrate a midfield mix that already faces questions about balance and experience in a deep Americas‑hosted World Cup.
At club level, Cardoso’s absence also tightens the pressure on Simeone’s options as Atletico closes in on the La Liga season and Champions League dates.
For the USMNT, the loss of a player whose blend of box‑to‑box range and defensive discipline elevated his profile, means front‑office and back‑room staff must now pivot toward younger, less‑tested alternatives.
With the 26‑man roster set to be announced on May 26, fans and analysts will watch for how Pochettino reshapes his plans without one of his most promising midfielders.
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