The United States men's national team faces an early injury crisis ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Defender Chris Richards, widely considered the team's best center back, will miss Sunday's international friendly against Senegal due to an ankle injury.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Richards has not trained with the squad and remains at the USMNT facility in Atlanta for rehab. There is currently no timetable for his return, raising concerns about his availability for the team's World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.
Richards has been sidelined for Crystal Palace's last two matches and was not present for the USMNT's 26-man roster reveal in New York City last week. He sent a video message instead, as he remained with his club for their European final in Germany, though he did not play.
FIFA allows teams to make injury-related roster changes up to 24 hours before their first match. The U.S. will face Senegal and Germany in pre-tournament friendlies before Group D play begins against Paraguay, followed by matches against Australia and Türkiye.
The center-back position remains a critical question mark for the USMNT, with depth behind Richards thin. Pochettino had already sacrificed attacking options to bolster the defense on his roster.