USMNT Midfielder Struck Down by Injury, World Cup Dream Hanging by a Thread

In the latest injury blow to the U.S. men's national team, Johnny Cardoso has been confirmed to have sustained a high-grade sprain in his right ankle, as announced by his club Atlético Madrid on Thursday.

The injury occurred during Thursday's training session, leaving him "unable to complete the session," and prompting evaluation from Atlético's medical team, the club stated. It remains uncertain when the standout midfielder will return to action, with the possibility of him missing the remainder of La Liga's season and the 2026 World Cup this summer.

"He will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym, and the progress of his recovery will determine his return to competition," the club said.

Huge Setback for Atletico, USMNT

Atlético has just four La Liga fixtures remaining this season, beginning with Celta Vigo on Saturday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and concluding with Villarreal on May 24. Given the severity of his sprain, Cardoso is unlikely to feature in club action again this season, leaving los Rojiblancos short of one of their most important midfield contributors.

Cardoso recently featured in the second leg of Atlético's UEFA Champions League semifinal, enduring a painful 1–0 defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday, as the club was eliminated from European competition 2–1 on aggregate.

The 24-year-old had been in contention for USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino's final 26-man World Cup squad this summer, having been called up for the March international window and representing the Stars and Stripes in the friendly against Belgium on March 28. He holds 23 senior caps, also having featured in Concacaf Nations League action in 2024–25.