Johnny Cardoso was not, by any means, a lock for the U.S. World Cup squad, but given his integral role in Atlético Madrid’s run to the Champions League semifinals, his chances seemed to have been improving.
Because of an ankle injury, however, the 24-year-old midfielder’s outlook has suddenly dimmed.
The Spanish club announced Cardoso suffered a high-grade sprain in his right ankle during Thursday’s training session and will undergo rehabilitation for the foreseeable future.
Johnny Cardoso suffers a high-grade sprain in his right ankle.
He will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym, and the progress of his recovery will determine his return to competition.
We wish you a speedy recovery, Johnny. You’ll come back stronger ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/NF6xeEO0of— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 7, 2026
No additional details were provided and no timetable was announced, but with U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino slated to unveil his 26-man squad on May 26, Cardoso does not seem to have nearly enough time to recover from the injury and regain his fitness and form.
A high-grade sprain typically requires several weeks of recovery and, in some cases, multiple months.
The U.S. will open World Cup camp May 27 at the new national training center outside Atlanta before playing friendlies against Senegal on May 31 in Charlotte and Germany on June 6 in Chicago.
The Group D opener is June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California.
Cardoso started the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Arsenal last week and entered as a sub early in the second half of the second leg Tuesday in London. Arsenal advanced on 2-1 aggregate.
Cardoso was in U.S. camp in March, starting against Belgium before leaving at halftime with a muscular injury. He did not play in the Portugal friendly three days later.
His club career has ascended rapidly from Internacional in Brazil to Real Betis in Spain before moving to Madrid last summer. He has appeared in 15 La Liga matches and started 12 times. He also started five Champions League games and three Copa del Rey matches.
While his club status has grown, Cardoso has never shown well with the national team.
With Cardoso seemingly out of the running, Pochettino’s options for probably four defensive midfield openings are Tyler Adams, Tanner Tessmann, Aidan Morris and Cristian Roldan.
