Mixed fortunes for Atlético stars in last FIFA break before World Cup

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: Johnny Cardoso #15 of the United States prior to the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Belgium won the match 5-2. (Photo by Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images Atlético Madrid saw 14 of their first-team players head off to international duty in the last FIFA break of this domestic season.

In the final national team fixtures before FIFA World Cup squads are announced, the Atleti players were in action all over the globe with varying degrees of success. Some cemented their places with useful performances but one crucial player to Atlético’s next few weeks has come back injured. Here, Into the Calderón brings you all you need to know about the March international break from an Atlético Madrid point of view.

USMNT disaster for Johnny Johnny Cardoso was taken off at half-time in the USA’s heavy 5-2 defeat at the hands of Belgium in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday. Manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed it was a “planned substitution” due to the midfielder feeling some discomfort during the week. However, it has since come about that Cardoso might miss the next two weeks with a low-grade adductor strain.

With Pablo Barrios still to return after a long injury layoff and Rodrigo Mendoza also out, Los Colchoneros are looking thin in the middle of the park. Questions will have to be asked of Pochettino’s decision to play Cardoso in the friendly knowing he already had a niggle. Elsewhere in North America, Obed Vargas played the first half of Mexico’s 0-0 draw with Portugal, and came off the bench in the second half of his country’s 1-1 draw with Belgium.