US midfield depth tested as Johnny Cardoso ruled out of 2026 World Cup
The injury to the 24-year-old comes as Mauricio Pochettino finalises the 26-man squad, with other key players already sidelined
Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso is expected to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a severe sprain to his right ankle sustained during training last Thursday. The La Liga club has confirmed that the 24-year-old will undergo surgery on the injury, a development that removes him from contention for the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
This setback marks a recurring issue for Cardoso, whose debut season at Atletico Madrid has been hampered by physical limitations. The injury occurred during a session that should have prepared him for the international window, yet it has now forced a significant pause in his availability for the upcoming global event.
The absence of Cardoso adds to a growing list of concerns regarding the depth of the US squad as coach Mauricio Pochettino prepares to announce the final 26-man roster later this month. Key figures such as captain Christian Pulisic, who is currently sidelined with a muscular problem, along with Tim Weah and Tanner Tessmann, are already unavailable due to injury.
With the tournament opening in California on June 12 against Paraguay, the US team faces a critical period of squad management. The national side is scheduled to play warm-up matches against Senegal and Germany before the campaign begins, meaning the current injury list will be a primary factor in Pochettino's selection process.
While the definitive confirmation of Cardoso's absence awaits the official squad announcement, the medical prognosis suggests a prolonged recovery. The impact on the midfield options available to the US team remains a significant variable as the co-hosts navigate the final preparations for the event.
