Chris Richards

Richards (ankle) remains uncertain for the World Cup opener, with coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledging he is not yet sure whether the defender will be ready in time, according to Pablo Iglesias Maurer of The Guardian.

Analysis: Richards has been working through his rehabilitation at the USMNT training center after reporting directly to camp following Crystal Palace's Europa Conference League final, but his fitness for the tournament opener on June 12 remains in question. The USMNT has yet to submit their official roster to FIFA and retains the ability to make injury replacements up to 24 hours before the first match, leaving the door open for adjustments should Richards be unable to prove his fitness in time. The center-back had been penciled in as a starter for the host nation heading into the tournament, making the uncertainty surrounding his condition one of the more closely watched developments in the American camp over the coming days.

May 29, 2026

Reports to USMNT camp

Richards (ankle) was viewed at the USMNT training center ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to Steven Goff of Yahoo Sports.

Analysis: Richards missed out on Palace's UECL final win after going unused off the bench, but continues to see positive updates, as he immediately reported to the USMNT camp after the final. This is likely to focus on his training as he continues to heal from an ankle injury, wanting to make sure he is 100% to help his team. He is scheduled to be a starter for the club come the start of the tournament, so the defender does have the host nation holding their breath for the return of a critical defender.

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Chris Richards

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