The U.S. Soccer lineup is out for the World Cup, is Chris Richards starting?
Richards has been sidelined with an ankle injury near the end of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Olivia Bennett 
The wait is finally over for U.S. men’s soccer fans. As the squad prepares to kick off its 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay this Friday night, 205focus.com can confirm that Birmingham native Chris Richards has received the green light to start.
Returning to the Pitch
Richards is set to take the field at 8 p.m. at SoFi Stadium, marking his first competitive action in nearly a month. The defender has been on the sidelines recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the final stretch of his Premier League season with Crystal Palace.
A Path to Recovery
The injury initially cast a shadow over Richards’ World Cup availability. After missing the conclusion of his club season, the Birmingham product was forced to sit out international friendlies against Senegal and Germany to prioritize his rehabilitation.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino remained optimistic throughout the process, choosing to keep Richards rested and monitored. Pochettino noted that while Richards’ status might have been different had the team faced a standard cup match, the focus has remained entirely on his readiness for this tournament opener.
Catch the action as Richards and the Americans face Paraguay tonight at 8 p.m. on Fox. You can view the original report at al.com.
