USMNT Faces Injury Setback Before 2026 FIFA World Cup

The United States men’s national team is dealing with a crucial injury concern before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. Chris Richards, a 26-year-old regarded as the top defender for the USMNT in the upcoming tournament, will miss the international friendly against Senegal on Sunday due to an ankle injury.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino stated that Richards’ injury has already kept him from playing in Crystal Palace’s last two games. Unfortunately, there is no clear timetable for his return, which has left fans anxious.

“I think he needs to keep doing his rehab,” Pochettino mentioned, according to the New York Post. “I think it’s much better to stay here and plan to train and [see] next week how it is.”

Pochettino was referring to the USMNT training facility in Atlanta, where Richards remains, while his teammates prepare for their match against Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina. Richards was also absent during the team’s 26-man roster announcement in New York City, opting to send a video message from Germany, where Crystal Palace was playing its final European match. Although available as a sub, he did not participate in the game.

Richards has not yet trained with the USMNT. Pochettino expressed uncertainty regarding his readiness for the team’s first match against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.

“I was asking from yesterday when he arrived to [assistant coach] Jesús [Pérez] 100 times, ‘What do you think, what do you think, which formation we have,'” Pochettino said. “Wait, wait, wait, wait. The answer was ‘Wait, wait, wait.’ It’s too early. We need to see. The next few days are going to be key to see the possibilities to be ready or not for the World Cup.”

FIFA mandates all 48 teams to finalize their 26-man squads by June. However, roster adjustments due to injuries can occur up to 24 hours before the start of a team’s first match.

In preparation, the USMNT will face Senegal, followed by Germany in a pre-World Cup friendly. After that, they travel to Los Angeles to start their Group D schedule with Paraguay. The team will then play Australia in Seattle on June 19 and Türkiye on June 25 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

A central concern persists regarding the center back position on the field. Richards was a key player expected to start regularly, but the depth behind him raises concerns despite Pochettino’s attempts to strengthen the defense by adjusting his roster selections.

The progress of Richards’ recovery will be closely monitored as the first match approaches on June 12.