Johnny Cardoso's Ankle Surgery Puts USMNT's World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy

Johnny Cardoso's Ankle Surgery Puts USMNT's World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy

In a significant setback for the United States men's national team, Johnny Cardoso of Atletico Madrid will undergo surgery on his right ankle following a high-grade sprain suffered last week. While he hasn't been ruled out for the remainder of the club season, which concludes on May 24, his chances of returning to play for Madrid appear slim, raising concerns about his availability for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Recovery times for ankle surgeries can vary widely, potentially sidelining Cardoso for months. This injury comes on the heels of his limited participation during the March international window, where he managed only 45 minutes against Belgium before returning to Madrid early due to aggravated pain. Cardoso’s absence would be a significant blow to the USMNT, which relies on his robust presence in midfield. He had recently made history by becoming only the second American to start both legs of a Champions League semifinal, joining Christian Pulisic. With Cardoso's status in jeopardy, coach Mauricio Pochettino may need to lean on other midfielders. Tyler Adams, returning from injury, remains a key figure, but the depth is crucial, especially if Pulisic's scoring struggles continue. Potential candidates to fill the gap include: Tanner Tessmann: Recently ended his season early due to a muscle strain but offers versatility, having played well in midfield and the potential to step in at center back. Aidan Morris: Currently competing in the Championship playoffs with Middlesbrough, where success could boost his readiness for the national team. Sebastian Berhalter and Cristian Roldan: Both are also vying for midfield spots but lack the defensive prowess of Cardoso and Adams. The USMNT faces mounting injury challenges, with Tim Ream returning from injury and Patrick Agyemang ruled out entirely. As the team prepares for the summer tournament, the hope is for no further injuries to jeopardize their World Cup aspirations.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-11