Additional Coverage:
- Chris Richards won’t travel for USMNT friendly as ankle injury clouds World Cup preparations for breakout star (foxnews.com)
The U.S. men’s national soccer team faces an early setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as star defender Chris Richards remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Richards, 26, widely regarded as one of the team’s top defenders, will miss the upcoming international friendly against Senegal this Sunday.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Richards is dealing with an ankle issue that has also kept him out of Crystal Palace’s last two matches. Unfortunately, there is no clear timeline for his return, leaving fans and the team in a state of uncertainty.
Pochettino explained, “I think he needs to keep doing his rehab. It’s much better to stay here and plan to train and see next week how it is.” Richards is currently at the USMNT training facility in Atlanta, while his teammates travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the friendly.
Notably, Richards was absent for the USMNT’s 26-man roster announcement last week in New York City, sending a video message instead while staying with Crystal Palace during its European final in Germany. Although available on the bench, he did not play in that match.
Richards has yet to take part in USMNT training sessions, and Pochettino’s comments suggest he may not be ready for the team’s first World Cup tune-up game against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. “The next few days are going to be key to see the possibilities to be ready or not for the World Cup,” Pochettino said.
While Richards is still expected to remain on the roster, FIFA regulations require all 48 teams to finalize their 26-man squads by June, with injury-related changes permitted up to 24 hours before their first match.
The USMNT will use upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Germany to fine-tune their strategy before the World Cup group stage begins. After opening against Paraguay, the team will face Australia in Seattle on June 19, followed by Türkiye at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 25.
Richards’ injury leaves a significant question mark at center back, a pivotal position for the team. Although Pochettino adjusted the roster to strengthen the defense, the depth behind Richards remains less certain. As a natural starter, his availability will be crucial to the U.S. team’s World Cup aspirations.
Fans will be watching closely in the coming days to see if Richards can recover in time to anchor the U.S. defense when the tournament kicks off.