Chris Richards available for US World Cup opener against Paraguay
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 11:31 PM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
U.S. defender Chris Richards is available for Friday's World Cup opener against Paraguay after recovering from an ankle injury. Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Richards, who suffered the injury on May 17 playing for Crystal Palace, is fit enough to be selected. His participation is crucial as the team prepares to face a strong Paraguayan side. The U.S. defense may benefit from the absence of Paraguay playmaker Julio Enciso, who is likely sidelined due to injury. Pochettino is yet to reveal the starting goalkeeper for the match.
- •Chris Richards cleared to play in World Cup opener
- •U.S. hosts Paraguay on Friday night
- •Richards argued to be the team's top central defender
- •Pochettino has not revealed the starting goalkeeper
- •Paraguay returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010
- 1:37 AMYahoo Sports — USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino won't say if Chris Richards can start World Cup opener, but his presence is welcome
- 11:31 PMYahoo Sports — Pochettino says top US defender Chris Richards is available for World Cup opener after ankle injury
"Top U.S. defender Chris Richards is officially healthy enough to play in the World Cup opener less than four weeks after a significant ankle injury. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said Thursday that Richards “is available to be selected” when the Americans host Paraguay on Friday night. “We will decide whether he'll start from the beginning of the game or (come off) the bench,” Pochettino added.
"It’s not clear whether defender Chris Richards will be able to start for the United States in Friday’s World Cup opener, but he will be available off the bench. For the USMNT’s most valuable player, at least that’s a start.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 12, 2026, 1:37 AMUSMNT's Mauricio Pochettino won't say if Chris Richards can start World Cup opener, but his presence is welcome
It’s not clear whether defender Chris Richards will be able to start for the United States in Friday’s World Cup opener, but he will be available off the bench. For the USMNT’s most valuable player, at least that’s a start.
- Yahoo SportsJun 11, 2026, 11:31 PMPochettino says top US defender Chris Richards is available for World Cup opener after ankle injury
Top U.S. defender Chris Richards is officially healthy enough to play in the World Cup opener less than four weeks after a significant ankle injury. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said Thursday that Richards “is available to be selected” when the Americans host Paraguay on Friday night. “We will decide whether he'll start from the beginning of the game or (come off) the bench,” Pochettino added.
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