Johnny Cardoso injury confirmed by Atlético: Could USMNT star miss the World Cup?
American midfielder Cardoso exited practice with the team doctor and has been diagnosed with a high-grade ankle sprain.
Atlético Madrid have confirmed that USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso has suffered an ankle injury a little more than month before the start of World Cup 2026.
What injury does Cardoso have?
Cardoso was unable to compete Thursday’s training session and appeared visibly shaken as he made his way off the field on a golf cart, an image that immediately raised concerns.
A few hours later, the 24-year-old underwent tests which confirmed he had sustained a “high-grade sprain in his right ankle.”
On X, the club wrote, “he will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym, and the progress of his recovery will determine his return to competition.”
How long will Johnny Cardoso be out?
Although Atleti didn’t state how long Cardoso would be out for, a high-grade ankle sprain suggests he will not be able to play in the World Cup.
Grade II sprains, seemingly the best-case scenario usually mean playars are unable to resume full activities in less than six weeks. A more serious Grade III sprain could lead to a 12-week absence.
The USMNT play their first game of the World Cup against Paraguay on June 12, a little more than five weeks away. Sadly, it appears as if Cardoso will have to pray for a miraculous recovery.
Cardoso’s start to life with Atlético
Cardoso has been in and out of the Atlético team since joining the club from Real Betis last summer. An ankle injury hampered his progress at the beginning of the season, while he missed two high-profile recent games against Barcelona because of a muscle issue.
The New Jersey-born star has made 30 appearances in all competitions in 2025-26, starting on 20 occasions. Cardoso scored his only goal to date for Atleti in the second leg of the Champions League playoff round at home to Club Brugge in February.
Cardoso started the first leg of the semifinals against Arsenal and came on as a second-half substitute in the return game in London on Tuesday, ultimately suffering disappointment as Atleti were eliminated 2-1 on aggregate.
Minimal USMNT impact
Although Cardoso has been playing at the highest level of any of the USMNT’s midfielders, his impact for the national team has been minimal in recent times.
The former Real Betis player has played only 45 minutes of the United States’ last eight games and was forced off with a knock at halftime in his last appearance against Belgium in March, which saw him leave the camp before a second friendly against Portugal.
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