IRVINE, Calif. — U.S. defender Chris Richards will be available to play at the World Cup less than four weeks after being sidelined by a significant left ankle injury.
Richards pronounced himself ready and eager to play Wednesday as the Americans continued their preparations at their training base in Orange County.
The 2026 World Cup, which boasts an expanded 48-team field and is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, kicks off Thursday with two Group A matches in Mexico: South Africa faces Mexico in Mexico City, while the Czech Republic faces South Korea in Zapopan.
The U.S. team will play its Group D opener against Paraguay a day later at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, the home of the NFL’s two Los Angeles teams, the Chargers and Rams. The other two group games for the Americans are June 19 against Australia at Seattle’s Lumen Field, then June 25 against Turkey, also at SoFi Stadium.
“It’s the World Cup, so I was going to make myself ready regardless,” Richards said. “I’m feeling good. Maybe a little swollen, but nothing tape can’t help. 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.”