Mauricio Pochettino is less than four weeks away from leading the United States men’s national team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The USMNT’s opening match against Paraguay is scheduled for June 12. With the World Cup hosted in the United States for the first time since 1994, head coach Pochettino and American soccer fans alike are hoping for a successful showing on home soil.
With the USMNT’s 26-man roster for the World Cup officially announced on Tuesday, May 26, the health of potential roster players is of utmost importance. Unfortunate news struck on Thursday when it was announced that defender Chris Richards of Crystal Palace suffered an ankle injury over the weekend.
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In a 2-2 draw against Brentford F.C. on Sunday, Richards tore two ligaments in his ankle. Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that the 6-foot-2 defender would miss the Premier League game against Arsenal F.C. on Sunday and that his availability for the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, May 27, is questionable.
Richards has been a top-of-the-line defender for Pochettino, serving as captain in the U.S.’ most recent friendly against Portugal. The Lone Star High School graduate was projected to be on the USMNT roster for the 2026 World Cup, with the injury now putting his availability for the tournament in question.
“BREAKING: USMNT defender Chris Richards has ‘two torn ligaments in his ankle,’ per Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who says it’s ‘50/50’ whether he can play in the UEFA Conference League final. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in three weeks. Oh no. 😰”
The United States men’s national team will open the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay on Saturday, June 13, at 1 a.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
