Johnny Cardoso's participation in the 2026 World Cup has become highly questionable after Atlético Madrid confirmed the midfielder suffered a high-grade ankle sprain in his right ankle Thursday. With the tournament beginning in five weeks and the U.S. coaching staff set to name their squad in less than three weeks, the injury timing could not be worse.
High-grade ankle sprains typically require at least a month of recovery, often longer. The United States opens its World Cup campaign on June 13 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, followed by group stage matches against Australia and Turkey. Atlético said Cardoso was hurt during practice and will undergo rehabilitation, but the club offered no timeline for his return.
Cardoso, 24, has earned 23 caps for the USMNT since his 2020 debut. His most recent appearance came in March when he played the first half of a 5-2 loss to Belgium. As a defensive midfielder, he has shown better form for his club than at the international level, though that gap could narrow with proper preparation time before a major tournament.
The injury forces head coach Mauricio Pochettino to consider alternatives. Cristian Roldan of the Seattle Sounders could emerge as a more secure midfield option given his versatility, experience, and standing within the squad. Tanner Tessmann, who has appeared 12 times under Pochettino and ranks 15th in minutes played among U.S. players in that span, presents another path. Tessmann has demonstrated flexibility by playing as a center-back in a three-man backline for both club and country.
Atlético, meanwhile, has four La Liga matches remaining as they pursue a top-four finish following their Champions League semifinal elimination by Arsenal this week.
Author James Rodriguez: "Pochettino's midfield depth gets tested hard here, and if Cardoso can't go, the coaching staff needs options that actually deliver at tournament pace."
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