The United States Men’s National Team will be without a key midfield option as Johnny Cardoso prepares for ankle surgery this week in Barcelona, Spain.
The 24-year-old suffered the injury during a training session with Atletico Madrid last week and was initially diagnosed with a right high-ankle sprain. While the original recovery timeline was set at one month, medical evaluations now indicate he will be sidelined for at least two months.
“Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery to repair the injury to his right ankle,” Atletico Madrid said 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.”
There was early optimism that Cardoso could return in time for the World Cup, with the USMNT set to open their campaign on June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California. However, he is now expected to be ready for Atletico’s preseason camp later this summer instead.
Cardoso is in his first season with Atletico Madrid after previous stints with Spain’s Betis (2023-25) and Brazil’s Internacional (2019-23). Born in New Jersey, he has earned 23 caps for the USMNT since his senior debut in 2020, most recently featuring in a friendly against Belgium on March 28.
As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States will also face Australia on June 19 in Seattle and Turkey on June 25 in Inglewood.
