File photo: Johnny Cardoso has struggled with injuries in his maiden season at Atletico Madrid and the injury only adds to his woes before the World Cup. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Atletico Madrid’s midfielder Johnny Cardoso — who plays internationally for the United States of America — will undergo ​surgery on his right ankle, the ‌La Liga club said on Monday, dealing ​a significant blow to ⁠his hopes of playing at next month’s World Cup.

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

It is the latest ⁠setback for Cardoso, whose debut season at Atletico has been hampered by injuries. The ​24-year-old also saw ‌limited action during the March international window, playing only 45 minutes in a friendly against Belgium.

U.S. coach ‌Mauricio Pochettino is expected to ​name his 26-man World Cup squad later this month, with ⁠the co-host already facing injury concerns.

Who are injury concerns for USA at FIFA World Cup 2026?

• Johnny Cardoso — ankle injury
• Christian Pulisic (captain) — muscular problem
• Tim Weah — Undisclosed injury
• Tanner Tessmann — Muscle injury

The U.S., which co-hosts the ‌tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, will play ​Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6 in ⁠warm-up matches before opening their Group ⁠D campaign against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, on June 12.

It will also face Australia and Turkey in the group stage.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Published on May 12, 2026