Though the U.S. men’s national team controlled much of its final tune-up match against Germany (albeit a 2-1 loss), it was obvious that the USMNT desperately needed Chris Richards back in time for the World Cup.
On Monday, head coach Mauricio Pochettino got the news that many USMNT fans had hoped for: Richards is cleared to resume full training.
The Crystal Palace defender suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss the final weeks of the Premier League season as well as Palace’s UEFA Conference League Final in Leipzig. Richards had hoped to be healthy enough to play in the pre-World Cup friendlies, and even Pochettino expressed frustration that his central defender’s absence was longer than anticipated.
That’s what made this scene so welcomed at the USMNT’s first training session at its base camp in Irvine, Calif.
Back in the mix!@eastmamba takes the field in Irvine. pic.twitter.com/C9rhjtruuF
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) June 8, 2026
The USMNT will open its World Cup against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium for the tournament). So, there isn’t much time to get Richards fully acclimated with the squad even though Miles Robinson struggled mightily in Richards’ place.
Pochettino seemed to be monitoring how Richards looked but didn’t commit to the defender’s Friday availability.
Mauricio Pochettino on Great Park facilities and update on Chris Richards:
“We will see. Today, first time with the team. Nearly everyone ready to be selected for the game.”@SportingTrib | #USMNT | #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/9uJfaYOWNz
— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) June 8, 2026
Notably, midfielder Tyler Adams was held out of training Monday for what the team is calling “load management.”
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Chris Richards injury update: USMNT defender returns to training ahead of World Cup
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