Chris Richards won’t travel for USMNT friendly as ankle injury clouds World Cup preparations for breakout star United States men’s national team defender Chris Richards is sidelined with an ankle injury, missing international friendlies and casting uncertainty over his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Manager Mauricio Pochettino stated Richards needs to continue his rehab and there is no public timeline for his return, with the next few days being crucial to assess his World Cup readiness. Richards was expected to be a starting center back for the USMNT, and his absence raises concerns about the team’s defensive depth.

• Chris Richards, considered a key defender for the USMNT, is dealing with an ankle injury.
• He will not travel for the team’s international friendly against Senegal.
• There is currently no public timetable for his return, and his availability for the 2026 World Cup is uncertain.
• Richards also missed the USMNT roster reveal and his team’s European final match.
• Manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed uncertainty about Richards’ readiness for the World Cup, stating the next few days are key.
• FIFA requires squads to be finalized by June, but injury-related changes are allowed up to 24 hours before the first match.
• The USMNT has upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Germany before starting their World Cup schedule on June 12 against Paraguay.