US Men’s Soccer Team Faces Injuries Ahead of World Cup

The United States men’s national team is grappling with an injury issue before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chris Richards, regarded by many as the team’s top defender, is sidelined and will not participate in the upcoming friendly against Senegal.

The team manager, Mauricio Pochettino, confirmed that Richards is battling an ankle injury. This injury has already prevented him from playing in Crystal Palace’s last two matches. Currently, there is no public timeline for Richards’ return.

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

The USMNT is preparing at their training facility in Atlanta, while the rest of the team heads to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face Senegal. Richards did not appear for the team’s 26-man roster announcement in New York City last week, opting to send a video message instead. He remained with Crystal Palace for a European match but was available only as a substitute.

Pochettino’s optimism about Richards participating in the team’s first match against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles seems guarded. Richards has yet to practice with the team. Pochettino expressed that it is too soon to determine whether Richards will be ready for the World Cup.

“I was asking from yesterday when he arrived… ‘What do you think, what do you think, which formation we have’… The answer was ‘Wait, wait, wait.’ It’s too early. We need to see.”

FIFA mandates that all 48 teams complete their 26-man squad rosters by June. Changes due to injury can still occur up to 24 hours before the team’s first match. The USMNT’s schedule includes friendly matches against Senegal and Germany before opening their Group D play against Paraguay in Los Angeles. They will follow with matches against Australia and Türkiye.

Richards, key in the center-back position, has left a significant gap in the defense line due to his injury. Although Pochettino adjusted the roster to strengthen defense, the options beyond Richards remain unconvincing.

Richards was expected to start all matches for the U.S. depending on his injury recovery. The situation remains fluid as the team looks ahead to the World Cup.