Chris Richards Injury Update: USMNT Defender Set to Be Available for 2026 World Cup Opener vs. Paraguay After Ankle Ligament Tear

The United States Men’s National Team received a major boost ahead of its FIFA World Cup 2026 opener after head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that defender Chris Richards is available for selection against Paraguay. Pochettino gave the update during his final pre-match press conference on Thursday, one day before the USMNT begins Group D play at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The hosts will face a Paraguay side expected to bring a physical challenge in the tournament’s opening match for the Americans.

Richards, a key figure in the U.S. defense and a Crystal Palace center-back, has been working back from a serious ankle injury suffered on May 17 during the closing stretch of the English Premier League season. The setback involved two torn ligaments in his left ankle and forced him to miss the USMNT’s final two warm-up matches, including a 3-2 win over Senegal and a 2-1 loss to Germany. His recovery, however, has progressed faster than initially expected, and he returned to full training with the national team this week.

Pochettino stopped short of revealing whether Richards will start against Paraguay or begin the game on the bench. He said the team has already made its final tactical decision but did not want to disclose the lineup before kickoff. “Chris is available to be selected, and then we will decide if he starts from the beginning of the game or is on the bench,” Pochettino said, indicating that the defender is fully in contention for the opener.

Richards also expressed confidence about his availability, saying he is ready to play and that he has not been placed under restrictions by the medical staff. The 26-year-old said he was determined to make himself available for the World Cup, calling it a moment worth pushing through any discomfort. While he acknowledged that the final decision rests with the coaching staff, his comments suggested he is eager to contribute immediately as the U.S. begins its home World Cup campaign.

The defender’s possible return is significant for a U.S. squad looking to start strongly in a group that also includes Australia and Türkiye. Richards’ pace, aerial strength and composure could be especially valuable against Paraguay, a team known for its physicality and defensive toughness. If he is selected in the starting XI, he is expected to partner either Tim Ream or Miles Robinson in central defense.

Even if Richards does not start, his availability gives Pochettino an important option in a match that could shape the tone of the group stage. For the USMNT, the news adds confidence and depth at a critical moment, with one of its top defenders back in the picture just in time for the World Cup opener.