Chris Richards Injury Update: Is Richards Playing Tonight vs. Paraguay?

DF Chris Richards is considered questionable to play in Friday’s USA vs. Paraguay World Cup match at 9:00 p.m. ET on FS1.

Richards suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for the final weeks of the Premier League season, though he’s been selected to the United States 2026 World Cup roster.

Below, we'll break down the latest Chris Richards injury update, if Richards will play tonight, and who to target on PrizePicks if Richards sits.

PrizePicks is offering a “Rep Your Side Sweepstakes” where fans can make a $5+ Lineup or Team Pick for the 2026 World Cup. One winner will earn a trip for two (including travel, accommodations, meals, and tickets) to the World Cup final in New York on Sunday, July 19.

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Chris Richards Injury Update: Is Richards Playing vs. Paraguay?

Chris Richards is officially uncertain to suit up for Friday's game vs. Paraguay.

On a positive note, Richards returned to training with the United States on Monday. It was his first time practicing with the team ahead of the World Cup.

While Richards hasn’t been ruled out yet, manager Mauricio Pochettino was noncommittal on the USA defender playing in the team’s Group D opening match against Paraguay on Friday.

From the source himself, Richards stated on Wednesday that he’s "ready" to play, though it remains to be seen if Pochettino is prepared to start him just yet.

Before suffering his ankle injury, Richards tallied the most interceptions per 90 minutes (1.4), third-most clearances per 90 (6.2), and second-most blocks per 90 (0.6) on Crystal Palace’s roster during the 2025-26 EPL campaign, per FotMob.

With Richards still having a chance to play on Friday, PrizePicks has his projections available, including 1.5 Tackles (Demon) and 0.5 Fouls (Goblin).

What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Richards Is Out?

Richards is a marquee defender for Team USA, and his absence would weaken the United States’ back line. 

Here are the USA players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Richards is out — and their stat projections for Friday.

• DF Tim Ream vs. Paraguay — 3.5 Clearances / 8.5 Fantasy Score / 77.5 Passes Attempted
• DF Alex Freeman vs. Paraguay — 2.5 Tackles (Demon) / 0.5 Fouls (Goblin) / 0.5 Cards (Demon)
• DF Miles Robinson vs. Paraguay — 2.5 Tackles (Demon) / 0.5 Fouls (Goblin)

When Richards was unavailable for the USA’s recent international friendly against Germany on Saturday, June 6, it was DF Miles Robinson who replaced him in the starting XI. That being said, Robinson did struggle in relief, so DF Mark McKenzie is also an option to start if Richards is inactive.

But the player to most benefit from Richards potentially being out could be DF Tim Ream. Ream is an experienced defender for the red, white, and blue, and there could be more on his plate sans Richards.

Pick More or Less USA player stats on PrizePicks now before Friday’s match.

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Make USA vs. Paraguay World Cup Picks on PrizePicks

Richards is uncertain to start for the USA on Friday against Paraguay, and his status won’t be known until closer to kick-off. In a scenario where Richards is unavailable, Tim Ream could be forced to handle more defensive responsibilities for Pochettino’s side.

Don't wait until lock — make your USA vs. Paraguay picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you're right.

Pick players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re correct. With Team Picks, make predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 35 states.

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