SOCCER: USMNT's Chris Richards trains individually with World Cup status in doubt

USMNT center back Chris Richards has taken a step forward by participating in his first individual training session since joining the pre-World Cup camp following an ankle injury. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino notes that the next few days will be critical in determining if the key defender will be fit for the team's June 12 tournament opener.

FIELD LEVEL MEDIA / REUTERS

June 4, 2026

SOCCER: USMNT's Chris Richards trains individually with World Cup status in doubt

FILE PHOTO: Crystal Palace's Chris Richards leaves training ahead of the UEFA Conference League Final at Crystal Palace FC Training Ground in London, Britain, on May 26, 2026.

David Klein/File Photo/Reuters

U.S. Men’s National Team center back Chris Richards worked out on his own Wednesday for the first time since arriving at the team’s pre-World Cup camp last week.

Multiple reporters shared video of Richards going through individual training in Fayetteville, Georgia, as he recovers from torn ankle ligaments suffered while playing for Crystal Palace on May 17. The 26-year-old was included on the 26-player roster submitted by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, who said last week that it was too soon to know Richards’ status for the World Cup.

Teams have until 24 hours before their first match to replace a player on their roster due to serious injury or illness. Any changes are subject to FIFA approval.

Richards is a certain starter when healthy, but he is in a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the USMNT’s June 12 World Cup opener against Paraguay in Inglewood, California. The team also faces Australia in Seattle on June 19 and Turkey back in Inglewood on June 26.

Richards joined the team on Friday after arriving from Europe.

"We need to see," Pochettino said of Richards’ status over the weekend. "The next few days are going to be key, to see the possibility to be ready or not on the World Cup."

The U.S. is co-hosting the 48-team tournament with Canada and Mexico. The Americans beat Senegal 3-2 in a friendly on Sunday, and they will have one more tune-up this Saturday against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago. -Field Level Media/Reuters