Mauricio Pochettino Gives Update on Chris Richards Two Weeks Before World Cup
The United States Men's National Team and head coach Mauricio Pochettino are getting set for the 2026 World Cup, which is just two weeks away. One of the biggest concerns for Pochettino's squad going into the biggest soccer tournament in the world is the injury of defender Chris Richards.
The 26-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama, played 33 games with 31 starts in the Premier League for Crystal Palace and 49 matches in all competitions during the 2025-26 season. He scored twice in those games, providing solid defense as primarily a center back.
Richards injured his left ankle during Crystal Palace's game against Brentford on May 17 and did not play in the team's final match of the season.
Richards also missed Crystal Palace's victory in the UEFA Conference League Final against Rayo Vallecano, as he was on the team sheet but was not used as a substitute in the game on Wednesday.
On Saturday, Pochettino gave an update on Richards, saying that he will not travel with the team to play in Sunday's international friendly against Senegal.
"Chris Richards (ankle injury) won't travel to Charlotte with #USMNT to Charlotte today for tomorrow's World Cup tuneup against Senegal, Pochettino says," according to Fox Sports reporter Doug McIntyre. "He'll remain at the training facility outside Atlanta and do rehab instead."
Chris Richards (ankle injury) won't travel to Charlotte with #USMNT to Charlotte today for tomorrow's World Cup tuneup against Senegal, Pochettino says. He'll remain at the training facility outside Atlanta and do rehab instead.
— Doug McIntyre (@ByDougMcIntyre) May 30, 2026
Pochettino was asked whether he thinks Richards will be ready by the time the U.S. plays its first World Cup match on June 12, and he said "it's too early," per ESPN reporter Jeff Carlisle.
"We need to see," Pochettino said. "The next few days are going to be key to see the possibility [of Richards] to be ready or not on the World Cup."
The U.S. begins its 2026 World Cup campaign in Group D against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12.
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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 10:49 AM.