USMNT Midfielder Johnny Cardoso Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup Due to Ankle Surgery
Atlético Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso has been ruled out of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup after sustaining a severe right ankle injury during training. The United States national team player requires immediate surgery in Barcelona, with a recovery timeline extending beyond the tournament. This significant setback complicates head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield selections for the host nation, forcing potential roster adjustments just weeks before the squad announcement. Cardoso’s absence adds to existing injury concerns for the USMNT as they prepare for their opening match against Paraguay in California.
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US Midfielder Johnny Cardoso Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup Due to Ankle Surgery
United States national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso has been ruled out of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup after sustaining a severe right ankle injury. Atlético Madrid confirmed that the 24-year-old player suffered a high-grade sprain with joint involvement during a training session last Thursday. Consequently, Cardoso will undergo surgery that typically requires a nine-month recovery period, causing him to miss the remainder of the current season and the global tournament starting in June. This development represents a significant setback for US head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who loses a key component of his midfield strategy just weeks before the competition begins. To fill the void left by Cardoso, who has earned 23 caps for the senior national team, Pochettino may turn to alternatives such as Tyler Adams, Aidan Morris, or Cristian Roldán. The US team is scheduled to open their World Cup campaign on June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, with additional group stage matches against Australia and Türkiye. Atlético Madrid expects Cardoso to potentially recover by the next preseason, assuming no complications arise during his rehabilitation.
Clarin.com - Home - Lo últimoAtletico Madrid's Johnny Cardoso to Undergo Surgery, Doubtful for World Cup
Atletico Madrid has confirmed that United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery on his right ankle following a severe sprain sustained during training. This injury significantly jeopardizes his participation in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to begin next month. The 24-year-old player has already faced a challenging debut season with the LaLiga club due to recurring injuries, which also limited his playing time during the recent March international window, where he featured for only 45 minutes in a friendly against Belgium. U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is set to announce his 26-man squad later this month, and Cardoso's absence would be a major setback. The U.S. team, co-hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, is already dealing with other injury concerns, including issues affecting Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Tanner Tessmann. The Americans are preparing for warm-up matches against Senegal and Germany before opening their Group D campaign against Paraguay in Inglewood, California. They will also face Australia and Turkey in the finals. This development adds pressure to the host nation's preparations as they finalize their roster for the global tournament.
Latest NewsUSMNT Midfielder Johnny Cardoso Expected to Miss World Cup Due to Ankle Surgery
United States Men's National Team midfielder Johnny Cardoso is expected to miss the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup after sustaining a significant ankle injury. The 24-year-old Atletico Madrid player suffered a right high-ankle sprain with joint involvement during a training session last week. Initially diagnosed with a one-month recovery timeline, further evaluation has led to a revised prognosis requiring surgery and at least two months of rehabilitation. Cardoso is scheduled to undergo the procedure in Barcelona, Spain. This development removes a key midfield option for the USMNT as they prepare to co-host the tournament, with their opening match against Paraguay set for June 12 in Inglewood, California. While there was initial optimism regarding his availability, medical experts now predict he will not return until Atletico Madrid's preseason camp later this summer. Cardoso, who joined Atletico from Real Betis, has earned 23 caps for the national team since his 2020 debut. His absence poses a strategic challenge for the US squad ahead of their group stage matches against Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseUSMNT Midfielder Johnny Cardoso Ruled Out of World Cup Due to Ankle Injury
The U.S. men’s national soccer team has suffered a significant setback ahead of the upcoming World Cup, as Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso will miss the tournament due to a severe right ankle injury. Cardoso sustained a high-grade sprain with joint involvement during training last Thursday, necessitating surgical repair. Although he was not guaranteed a spot on the final 26-man roster due to inconsistent international performances, his strong club form had made him a strong candidate for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. This injury complicates the midfield selection, especially with Tanner Tessmann also recovering from a muscle strain at Olympique Lyon, though Tessmann is expected to be fit for the World Cup. Consequently, players like Cristian Roldan and Sebastian Berhalter may have improved chances of making the squad. Pochettino might consider shifting Weston McKennie to defensive midfield if necessary. The final roster will be announced on May 26 in New York City, with training camp beginning shortly after in Fayetteville, Georgia. This development raises concerns about the depth and stability of the USMNT's midfield options for the summer competition.
New York PostAtlético Madrid's Cardoso Ruled Out of World Cup Due to Ankle Surgery
Atlético de Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery on his right ankle, officially ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup. The injury, sustained during a training session last Thursday, requires immediate medical intervention scheduled for tomorrow in Barcelona. This development marks a significant setback for the player, who was set to represent the United States national team in the global tournament. Cardoso's debut season with Atlético has been heavily impacted by recurring physical issues, particularly affecting his ankles, which limited his playing time despite starting as a key figure. The club confirmed that while his current season is over, the recovery timeline aims for him to be fully fit by the start of the next preseason. This news adds to the disappointment of his first year in Spanish football, where initial promise was hindered by persistent ailments. The surgical procedure in Barcelona follows consultations for second opinions on the severity of the condition. Fans and teammates face the reality of losing a central midfield option for both the club's immediate future and the international stage this summer.
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