Cardoso Set for Surgery as USMNT Finalizes World Cup Prep

Cardoso injury blow for US ahead of World Cup 

Johnny Cardoso’s right ankle injury requires surgery, putting his World Cup hopes in jeopardy as the USMNT deals with multiple absences.

Atletico’s Johnny Cardoso faces ankle surgery ahead of the World Cup. The US will face Senegal, Germany, Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey in Group D...

Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso will have surgery on his right ankle, the LaLiga side confirmed on Monday, putting his chances of featuring at next month’s World Cup in serious doubt.

“Cardoso sustained the injury ‌during training last Thursday, resulting in ‌a severe sprain that has affected the joint,” Atletico said in a statement.

The 24-year-old’s first season in Madrid has been disrupted by injuries, making this the latest setback. He also saw limited minutes in March, playing just 45 minutes for the United States in a friendly against Belgium.

US head coach Mauricio Pochettino is due to announce his 26-man World Cup squad later this month, with the co-hosts already managing several injury concerns.

Johnny Cardoso will have surgery on his right ankle.

Get well soon, Johnny! ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/hAom47Ychj

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 11, 2026

AC Milan captain Christian Pulisic was recently out with a muscle issue, and he’s not alone on the injury list. Marseille’s Tim Weah and Lyon’s Tanner Tessmann have also been sidelined in recent weeks.

The United States, co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico and Canada, have friendlies lined up against Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6. They’ll kick off their Group D schedule against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, on June 12.

Australia and Turkey round out the US group at the finals.