United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso has been dealt a significant blow after suffering a high-grade sprain in his right ankle, his club Atlético Madrid confirmed on Thursday. The injury places his participation in the 2026 World Cup under serious jeopardy, with the tournament set to begin in just over five weeks and US head coach Mauricio Pochettino expected to name his squad in less than three weeks.
Recovery timeline and World Cup implications
High-grade ankle sprains typically require at least a month of recovery, and often longer. The USMNT will open their World Cup campaign on 13 June against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, followed by group stage matches against Australia and Turkey. Cardoso's absence could be a significant setback for the team's midfield depth.
Atletico Madrid stated that Cardoso was injured during training and will now undergo rehabilitation. The club did not provide a specific timeline for his return, though La Liga has four rounds remaining. Atletico are currently vying for a top-four finish after being eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals this week.
Cardoso's international career
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder has earned 23 caps for the United States since his debut in 2020. His most recent appearance came during the March international window, where he played the first 45 minutes of a 5-2 loss to Belgium. While he has struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage, he remains a potentially key piece of the US midfield if he can turn things around with proper preparation ahead of the tournament.
Potential replacements
Should Cardoso be ruled out, Pochettino will have several intriguing options to consider for his midfield. Seattle Sounders' Cristian Roldan could become a more certain selection for his second World Cup roster, thanks to his versatility, experience, and the respect he commands among teammates. Another possibility is Tanner Tessmann, who has featured 12 times under Pochettino, accumulating the 15th-most minutes among US players during that period. Tessmann's versatility is an asset, having recently been deployed as a center-back in a three-man defensive line for both club and country.
