Ready.' U.S. Soccer's Male Player of the Year Refuses to Miss Another World Cup

Eight USMNT defenders formed a hand-in-hand circle at an Irvine, California training camp as part of a warm-up drill, with center back Chris Richards, 26, taking part despite a three-and-a-half-week ankle injury suffered in May. Richards, the reigning U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, anchors the defense with strong field-reading and leadership, and hails from Birmingham, Alabama. His return comes ahead of the World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday, a moment Balboa says could boost confidence across the back line. Richards has built a resume including Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League title in 2025 plus FA Cup and Community Shield wins, and his teammates admire his positive demeanor under pressure.