Chris Richards
PalaceCB
Back Line Anchor
Mar 28, 2000 (26)
Right
6'2"
192 lb
Mixed outing in defeat
Richards recorded one tackle (zero won) and nine clearances in Monday's 4-1 loss versus Belgium.
Analysis: Richards almost reached double digits in clearances, leading all players in the game in that category, but he committed a costly error and saw his team's goal beaten four times in the round of 16 clash. It was the end of the USMNT's World Cup run, and the key defender logged 90 minutes in four out of five matches. While the team's high possession numbers allowed him to amass passes, he also stood out for his average of 6.8 clearances per contest. He'll aim to return to a consistent role when club action resumes in August.
Registers eight notches
Richards had eight clearances and one interception in Wednesday's 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Richards was solid in the defense for the USMNT on Wednesday as he helped his team to a clean sheet, notching one interception and eight clearances. This means the defender has now been a part of two clean sheets this tournament, proving the USA defense has improved from years past. However, things will get tougher against Belgium, facing an experienced team with a mix of speed and skill in their attack.
Records team-high seven clearances
Richards generated three tackles (two won), seven clearances and two interceptions in Friday's 2-0 win over Australia. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Analysis: Richards hasn't shown any indications of the injury that kept him sidelined towards the end of the 2025/26 Premier League season, and he's been a solid contributor at the back for the USMNT. The Crystal Palace defender has racked up 10 clearances, three tackles and three interceptions while going the full 90 in both wins thus far.
Plays 90 after injury
Richards recorded a full 90 minutes in Friday's 4-1 win over Paraguay.
Analysis: Richards would earn the start Friday after some questions about his health following an ankle injury. However, he put all the worries to rest, as he would not just start but also play the full 90. With multiple clearances out of the box and a solid effort, he seems to be close to his regular self again. That said, he recorded three clearances, an interception and one tackle won in the defense.
Starting opener
Richards (ankle) is in the starting XI for Friday's match against Paraguay.
Analysis: Richards is back with the USMNT as expected for their opener, as the defender takes a spot in the starting defense to face Paraguay. This is a major return for the defense as they add back their best center-back, likely to play a major role moving forward. He is partnered with Tim Ream and Alex Freeman in the defense, with Mark McKenzie likely to be added to the rotation as the tournament plays out.
Ready for World Cup opener
Richards has rejoined full training this week and is ready to play without any minutes restrictions, pending manager Mauricio Pochettino's approval. the player said , according to Tom Bogert of The Athletic. "It's the World Cup. I was going to make myself ready regardless. ... If there's any time to sacrifice yourself, it's now. I know I'm able to play Friday, but I don't make those decisions."
Analysis: Richards has rejoined full training this week for the first time since picking up an ankle injury with Crystal Palace on May 17, having missed two preparatory friendlies for the World Cup as a result. The player is fit, unrestricted in terms of minutes and eager to put himself forward, which represents a major boost for the host nation ahead of coach Mauricio Pochettino's decision on whether to hand him an immediate starting role.
Training fully Monday
Richards (ankle) is back in full training Monday, according to Steven Goff of Yahoo Sports.
Analysis: Richards is further improving his status as the USMNT prepares for the World Cup, as the defender returned to full training Monday. This comes after a report that he was targeting the opener for a return, further reinforced by his availability in training Monday. If he is deemed fit for the opener against Paraguay, he is more than likely to start in the center of the defense.
Targeting opener against Paraguay
Richards (ankle) has returned to full contact training and is confident he will be ready for the USMNT's World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12, despite being unavailable for Saturday's friendly against Germany, according to Sophia Vesely of SI. "I feel good. When I first got into camp after two long days of travel, I had a bit of a swollen ankle, but I've been doing treatment almost 24 hours per day, so I feel really good, and I'm getting ready for the opener a week from today."
Analysis: Richards tore two ligaments in his ankle last month, missing Crystal Palace's Europa Conference League final victory and the early stages of the USMNT's pre-tournament camp, but has progressed from individual work to joining the group for Friday's team session. Coach Mauricio Pochettino retains the option to make an injury-related roster swap until 24 hours before the opener and will assess Richards in the days following the Germany friendly before making a final decision, though the Palace center-back's confidence and return to full contact training are the clearest signs yet that he will be available when the tournament gets underway.
Not playing in friendly
Richards (ankle) won't be an option for Saturday's friendly match against Germany, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino. "He's not ready to compete and play. ... At the moment, he's doing his recovery."
Analysis: Richards didn't play for Palace in the UEFA Conference League final and has yet to play for the USMNT in the pre-World Cup friendlies. He's aiming to be fit for the tournament opener against Paraguay on June 12, but it looks like a race against time. If Richards isn't ready to play for the WC opener, Mark McKenzie could start next to Tim Ream at center-back.
Training separately Tuesday
Richards (ankle) has been limited to individual work in the USMNT's training camp ahead of their initial World Cup match against Paraguay, Henry Bushnell of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Richards' participation in the upcoming international test is still in doubt as he continues to struggle with an ankle injury that was originally thought to be minor. The defender should be a key element of the hosts' back line in the summer tournament, although his physical problems could limit his time on the pitch in the first few games. In that case, all of Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty may see increased roles.
World Cup opener in doubt
Richards (ankle) remains uncertain for the World Cup opener, with coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledging he is not yet sure whether the defender will be ready in time, according to Pablo Iglesias Maurer of The Guardian.
Analysis: Richards has been working through his rehabilitation at the USMNT training center after reporting directly to camp following Crystal Palace's Europa Conference League final, but his fitness for the tournament opener on June 12 remains in question. The USMNT has yet to submit their official roster to FIFA and retains the ability to make injury replacements up to 24 hours before the first match, leaving the door open for adjustments should Richards be unable to prove his fitness in time. The center-back had been penciled in as a starter for the host nation heading into the tournament, making the uncertainty surrounding his condition one of the more closely watched developments in the American camp over the coming days.
Reports to USMNT camp
Richards (ankle) was viewed at the USMNT training center ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to Steven Goff of Yahoo Sports.
Analysis: Richards missed out on Palace's UECL final win after going unused off the bench, but continues to see positive updates, as he immediately reported to the USMNT camp after the final. This is likely to focus on his training as he continues to heal from an ankle injury, wanting to make sure he is 100% to help his team. He is scheduled to be a starter for the club come the start of the tournament, so the defender does have the host nation holding their breath for the return of a critical defender.
Stays on bench in UECL final
Richards (ankle) was an unused substitute in Wednesday's UEFA Conference League title win over Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Richards trained in recent days and traveled with the team after dealing with an apparently minor issue. However, he was not involved in an important matchup, suggesting he's yet to make a full recovery. In any case, he's expected to join the USMNT squad and get the nod in the World Cup opener versus Paraguay. The center-back enjoyed another productive campaign in England, notching one goal in 33 league appearances (31 starts) and ranking first and second for Palace with averages of 1.3 interceptions and 5.9 clearances per game, respectively.
Picked for traveling squad
Richards (ankle) is traveling for Wednesday's match against Rao Vallecano, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "But they were available today in training, and that's a good sign. We still have 36 hours before the gam,e and the medical department will work hard [to get them ready]. They will work hard until late into the night. I will talk to them again tomorrow morning, and if the player doesn't feel 100% fit, then they won't start. They have pain, but I think many of the players have pain at the end of a long season. Everybody wants to participate. So the final decision will be taken tomorrow."
Analysis: Richards has been picked to travel with the squad Wednesday, still recovering from an ankle injury. The defender now has an outside chance at making the play sheet, although it remains in question for how many minutes. He has been a starter, so they will hope to have him as they try to lift a trophy, but he will also want to be cautious as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup with the USMNT.
Set to avoid extended absence
Richards (ankle) is reported to be dealing with a low-grade injury and remains hopeful to play fully for USMNT in the World Cup, per Men in Blazers.
Analysis: Richards is ruled out for Sunday's EPL season finale against Arsenal as he recovers from his ankle issue, with Crystal Palace coach saying that "it's now 50/50 for him and for us if he can play in the Final in Leipzig." ahead of the UEFA Conference League final on May 27. The defender should be called up for the World Cup and play a major role, assuming he stays fit throughout the tournament. He finished the 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a career-high 196 clearances while adding 55 tackles, 43 interceptions and one goal over 33 appearances (31 starts). Chadi Riad is likely to feature for the Eagles while Richards is sidelined against Arsenal.
Out for season finale
Richards (ankle) won't play in Sunday's season finale against Arsenal, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "Chris will miss the Arsenal game as well, and it's now 50/50 for him and for us if he can play in the Final in Leipzig. He tore two ligaments in his ankle. I think it's stable, but quite swollen, and we have to deal with the swelling. He has to get back on the pitch to be available, and it takes time."
Analysis: Based on the nature of the injury, it wouldn't be surprising if Richards also missed the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano next Wednesday. Richards is expected to be named to the USMNT squad if healthy. The centre-back finished the 2025/26 Premier League season with a career-high 196 clearances, as well as 55 tackles, 43 interceptions and a goal in 33 appearances (31 starts) for the Eagles.
Doubt for season finale
Richards (ankle) is a big doubt for Sunday's season finale against Arsenal after being spotted walking around with strapping on his left ankle and not training Thursday, according to Sam Tabuteau of Standard Sport.
Analysis: Richards had completed the draw against Brentford despite twisting his ankle late in the match, but the visible strapping ahead of the weekend confirms he will unlikely be risked for the final fixture of Crystal Palace's season and with the UEFA Conference League final looming next week. The American center-back's condition will be monitored closely over the coming days with the World Cup on home soil in June firmly in mind, making the severity of the ankle issue a matter of real concern for both club and the USMNT.
Injury concern emerges late
Richards (undisclosed) was assisted off the pitch at the final whistle against Brentford with his left boot removed, raising immediate concerns over his fitness despite having completed the match after coming on in the second half, according to Bobby Manzi of Telegraph.
Analysis: Richards managed to see out the remainder of the match after his introduction, but the sight of him requiring assistance to leave the pitch with his boot off suggests he was managing some discomfort in the closing stages. The nature and severity of the issue has yet to be confirmed, leaving his status highly uncertain heading into a critical period. With the United States set to compete in the World Cup on home soil in June, any significant injury to the center-back would be a major blow for both club and country. Further examination will be required before a clearer picture emerges on his availability for the tournament.
Three shots Sunday
Richards recorded three shots (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Everton.
Analysis: Richards took a season-high three shots Sunday, putting one on target for just the second time this season. Although he didn't find the back of the net, it was a solid attacking display for the center back. He also recorded nine clearances, one tackle and one accurate cross in his productive 90 minutes of action.
Plays full game against Portugal
Richards (knee) played the full 90 minutes in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Portugal and is fully fit heading back to his club.
Analysis: Richards had been carefully managed throughout the international break after returning to training earlier in the week, but going the distance against Portugal is the strongest possible confirmation that his knee is no longer a concern. The defender should slot straight back into his starting role with the Eagles heading into the final stretch of the Premier League season, with the World Cup on home soil now just two months away.
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