USMNT’s Johnny Cardoso sprains ankle five weeks out from World Cup

• Atlético Madrid confirms ‘high-grade’ ankle sprain

• Injury typically takes at least a month to recover from

United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso has suffered what the club deemed a “high grade” sprain in his right ankle, his club Atlético Madrid said on Thursday. The injury casts the midfielder’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in serious doubt, with just five weeks to go until the tournament starts and less than three weeks to go until US head coach Mauricio Pochettino names his squad.

High-grade ankle sprains typically take at least a month to recover from, and often more. The US opens its World Cup campaign on 13 June against Paraguay in Inglewood, California. They will then also play Australia and Turkey in Group D.