full 26-player – All 26 players on the U.S. Men’s National Team roster will be available for the group stage opener against Paraguay, with Chris Richards cleared after an ankle injury. The match kicks off Friday, June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium at 6 p.m. PT.
By the time the U.S. team walked into its pre-match day in Los Angeles, the picture looked clearer than it had for most of the build-up: the full roster was on the table.
At Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-match press conference—held at the site of the USA’s first fixture, Los Angeles Stadium—he confirmed that all 26 players will be available for the group stage opener at FIFA World Cup 2026.
The biggest question mark heading into matchday had been the status of Chris Richards. The center back has been working his way back from an ankle injury he suffered while with his club, Crystal Palace, in May.
Pochettino confirmed on Thursday during the press conference that Richards is available for selection for Friday’s match. That means the head coach will have a full squad at his disposal.
Whether the 26-year-old center back starts—or comes off the bench—won’t be answered until closer to kickoff. Pochettino said: “We will decide if he’ll start the game or come off the bench. ” adding. “We celebrate the job of our medical staff and performance staff; [they] worked really hard to help Chris recover… it’s really a good feeling to have all 26 players available to select.”.
Richards had met with the media on Wednesday from the team’s base camp in Orange County, after sitting out the two send-off matches against Senegal and Germany. He told the group he was feeling good and ready to play his role in what comes next.
“I would love to be playing this opening game,” Richards said.
The timing of Richards’ availability carries real weight for a co-host team aiming to make a deep run on home soil. With the first group stage match already set, a strong performance—and three points—would give the U.S. an immediate lift in the group.
It also changes the practical picture for how the U.S. might handle Paraguay. Pochettino said he expects a physical challenge, pointing to Paraguay’s aggressive mentality and style of play. As a native of Argentina. he said he is familiar with the South American side. describing Paraguay as “like brothers.” He also referenced Paraguay’s qualifying wins over South American heavyweights Brazil and Argentina as a reason they shouldn’t be overlooked.
“My expectation is tomorrow is going to be a very tough game,” Pochettino said.
USA vs Paraguay kicks off Friday, June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium at 6 p.m. PT.
In the end, the clearest message out of Thursday’s press conference wasn’t just that a roster exists—it was that the U.S. will be able to choose from it with its most important uncertainty now resolved.
USMNT Paraguay Mauricio Pochettino Chris Richards FIFA World Cup 2026 Los Angeles Stadium group stage opener Crystal Palace ankle injury Orange County camp