Atletico Madrid's Johnny Cardoso Set to Miss World Cup Due to Ankle Surgery

Atletico Madrid's Johnny Cardoso, right, shoots the ball past Real Sociedad's goalkeeper Unai Marrero during the Copa del Rey final soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad in Seville, Spain, Saturday, April. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso is scheduled to miss the World Cup due to a right ankle injury requiring surgical intervention. Atletico Madrid disclosed the injury on Monday, noting the extensive recovery period needed before the tournament commences in one month. The club has yet to provide a timeline for Cardoso's return or specify the surgery's location. The 24-year-old had made 23 appearances for the U.S. since his 2026 debut. The U.S. team kicks off its World Cup journey on June 13 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, with Mauricio Pochettino's squad facing Australia and Turkey in Group D.
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