Chris Richards is training with the U.S. in a positive sign for the top American defender as he tries to make it back in time for the World Cup
joined the U.S. for training on Friday in Chicago in a positive sign for the top American defender as he tries to make it back in time for the Richards tore two ligaments in his left ankle while playing for England's Crystal Palace on May 17.
He has been ruled out for Saturday's friendly against Germany, but the U.S. is holding out hope that he might be able to play in its World Cup opener next week against Paraguay.said.
“I think everyone trusts his body and what he feels and the coaching staff as well. He’s an important piece of the group, his energy, his leadership on and off the field. And so obviously we’re just all behind him and can’t wait to have him back and out with the group.
" During the 15-minute portion of practice that was open to the media, the 26-year-old Richards showed no signs of any issues as he warmed up with the rest of the team at Endeavor Health Performance Center, the practice home for Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. Richards, who missed the 2022 World Cup because of a hamstring injury, is considered the best central defender for the United States.
“His training and his evolution is well, but he still is not ready to compete and to play,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said before practice. Pochettino and the U.S. are running out of time when it comes to making a decision on Richards. They can replaced injured players on their 26-man roster until Thursday.
“Maybe this is the final of the World Cup, maybe he can play,” Pochettino said of Saturday's game at Soldier Field, “but the advice of the medical area is not to play. ” The U.S. is coming off a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Sunday. Following its matchup with Paraguay, the U.S. also has Group D games against Australia on June 19 and Turkey on June 25. Norway vs Sweden: How to Watch, Prediction, Odds, Friendly PreviewFOX SPORTS™, SPEED™, SPEED.
COM™ & © 2026 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Use of this website constitutes your acceptance of these
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
On the Podcast: Team USA’s Chris Richards on Preparing for His First World CupWith the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a week away, “The Run-Through” invited US Men’s Soccer player Chris Richards to chat with Vogue fútbol fiends Taylor Antrim and Alyssa Hardy about the journey to his first World Cup.
Read more »
Pochettino Gives Injury Update on USMNT Star Defender Chris RichardsChris Richards’s 2026 World Cup availability is still up in the air.
Read more »
USMNT coach ‘angry’ as Chris Richards’ status uncertain with World Cup nearThe World Cup is drawing closer and the question of Chris Richards’ status for the biggest competition in U.S. soccer’s history remains unanswered.
Read more »
‘I Feel Good’—Chris Richards Reveals He’ll Be Ready By USMNT World Cup OpenerThe USMNT star center back tore ligaments in his ankle last month, placing his World Cup availability in doubt.
Read more »