CHRIS RICHARDS NEWS

The 26: Projecting the USA Players Who'll Make the World Cup Roster

Only 26 World Cup spots are available. Who has the inside track for the USMNT and who is on the outside looking in?

DECEMBER 5 • FOX SPORTS

Leads defense with interceptions Richards generated seven clearances and three interceptions in Wednesday's 1-0 win against Burnley.

Impact Richards made seven clearances, marking his 10th consecutive game with at least five, and added one block while leading the team with three interceptions. He helped secure Palace's seventh clean sheet as the three-man backline partnership with Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix continues to perform strongly. Offensively, the defender has been less impactful, registering five shots (zero on target) and creating four chances.

DECEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

USA's World Cup Make-or-Break Stars? Donovan, Holden, Lalas, Jones Make Picks

Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones highlight the most important players for the U.S. entering the 2026 World Cup.

DECEMBER 1 • FOX SPORTS

Dealing with cramps Richards (undisclosed) was forced off in the 83rd minute of Saturday's 2-0 victory against Wolves due to cramps, coach Oliver Glasner said in a press conference, according to the N...

Impact Richards could not finish Saturday's clash against Wolves due to cramping but should be fit moving forward for Palace. The center-back did not travel for international duty and received the trust of coach Oliver Glasner to play more minutes in the match than he should have had. Richards will hope to be fit for the clash against Strasbourg on Thursday since he is an important figure in Crystal Palace's back-three, and they will need him available as they currently sit ninth in the standings and aim to qualify directly for the next round of the Conference League. That said, if he had to miss some time, Jaydee Canvot will be the main option to replace him in the backline.

NOVEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Forced off field Richards was forced off the field in the 83rd minute of Saturday's 2-0 win over Wolves due to an apparent injury, according to Bobby Manzi of The Sun.

Impact Richards would have to leave the field late into Saturday's contest, as the defender appeared to be dealing with some injury. The club will monitor his status over the week, as the club does have a midweek Conference League match they hope he is fit for. He should be set for further testing in the next day or two, hoping their starting defender only has a minor issue.

NOVEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Makes starting squad Richards (calf) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Brentford.

Impact Richards returned to the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Brentford after undergoing scans that revealed no tear in his calf. The center-back had been an undisputed starter for Palace before the injury scare and looks set to continue his regular role in the backline. His quick return reinforces Palace's defense and suggests the issue was minor.

NOVEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Will be available Saturday Richards (calf) will be available for Saturday's game against Brentford, manager Olivier Glasner confirmed Friday during the pre-match press conference. "Richards is back tomorrow...

Impact The return of Richards is a huge boost for Palace's defensive line. The center-back has been a regular at the back when healthy and should slot in the back three alongside Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix.

OCTOBER 31 • ROTOWIRE

Should return against Brentford Richards (calf) missed Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool due to an injury, but scans revealed no tear, suggesting he should return for Saturday's clash against Brentf...

Impact Richards underwent scans that revealed no tear in his calf, suggesting he could be nearing an imminent return as early as Saturday's clash against Brentford. The center-back has been an undisputed starter for Palace in the backline and is expected to return directly to the starting XI. That said, if a more conservative approach is adopted, Jaydee Canvot will likely be the option to replace him.

OCTOBER 31 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers calf injury Richards is out for Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Liverpool due to a calf injury, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "We've just one issue: Chris has a little bit of an i...

Impact Richards played the full 90 Sunday but will now be out for the club's upcoming match, missing due to a calf injury. This will be something to monitor for the club, as he is a regular starter, hoping he doesn't miss much time. This will force a change for the time being, with Jaydee Canvot announced to be his replacement, likely to continue in this role if Richards remains out.

OCTOBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Who Is ... U.S. Men's National Team Defender Chris Richards?

Alabama-born Chris Richards is the USMNT's top defender ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But who is Richards off the field?

OCTOBER 14 • FOX SPORTS

USA Face Battle-Tested Ecuador With 2026 World Cup Roster Spots on the Line

Entering Friday's contest with Ecuador, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino is evaluating all of his options for the 2026 World Cup.

OCTOBER 10 • FOX SPORTS

Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson, Matt Turner back on US roster for October friendies

Coach Mauricio Pochettino has revamped the U.S. national soccer team roster for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Australia

OCTOBER 3 • Associated Press

Stalwart performance in win Richards registered four tackles (four won), 12 clearances and one interception in Saturday's 2-1 victory versus West Ham United.

Impact Richards led the Crystal Palace defensive effort Saturday with 12 clearances and matched a team-high with four tackles won as they held the West Ham attack at-bay in a 2-1 victory. Through his first five appearances (five starts) this season, the central defender has played every minute of Palace's Premier League fixtures while averaging six clearances per appearance.

SEPTEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Aston Villa out of League Cup to continue poor start to season. Grimsby causes another shock

Aston Villa’s miserable start to the season has continued with elimination from the English League Cup

SEPTEMBER 16 • Associated Press

Received treatment for ankle Richards ended Thursday's clash against Fredrikstad with a swollen ankle but received treatment and is doing fine, coach Oliver Glasner said in the press conference. "Chris [Richar...

Impact Richards will be available for Sunday's clash against Aston Villa after receiving treatment for a swollen ankle in Thursday's match against Fredrikstad. This is good news for Palace as Richards is an undisputed starter in the back three, and they will need him fit for the trip to Aston Villa.

AUGUST 29 • ROTOWIRE

Forward Folarin Balogun is added to the US roster for friendlies against South Korea and Japan

Folarin Balogun has been added to the U.S. roster for friendlies next month against South Korea and Japan

AUGUST 27 • Associated Press

Christian Pulisic Back for U.S. Men's Team; Weston McKennie, Matt Turner Out

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday named a 23-player roster for the Americans' September friendlies against Korea Republic and Japan...

AUGUST 26 • FOX SPORTS

Pulisic back on US roster for September friendlies after skipping CONCACAF Gold Cup

Christian Pulisic is returning to the U.S. national team for friendlies against South Korea and Japan after taking time off

AUGUST 26 • Associated Press

Projecting USA's 2026 World Cup squad: Tillman, Luna leapfrog Reyna post-Gold Cup

Ten months out, who projects to make the United States' roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Here are our best guesses as things stand today.

JULY 22 • FOX SPORTS

Alexi Lalas' Best U.S. XI: Why Turner still starts in goal over Freese

This is how the United States would line up if the 2026 FIFA World Cup started tomorrow.

JULY 10 • FOX SPORTS

Alexi Lalas' Top 5 U.S. Players At Gold Cup: Luna And Tillman 'Real Stars'

To make the final of a tournament, you have to have some standout performances and, certainly, standout players — this is my best five for t...

JULY 6 • FOX SPORTS