SOCCER: US submits World Cup roster with Chris Richards still on team

The United States has finalized its World Cup roster, and Chris Richards remains on it.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino kept the injured defender on the 26-man roster when the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) officially submitted its squad to FIFA on Monday.

Richards suffered torn ankle ligaments while playing for Crystal Palace last month, but the injury did not stop Pochettino from naming him to the preliminary World Cup roster about two weeks later.

The 26-year-old center back, a guaranteed starter when healthy, is currently with the team at its training headquarters outside Atlanta. Pochettino noted over the weekend that the coaching staff has not yet made a final decision regarding Richards' fitness for the tournament.

"We need to see," Pochettino said. "The next few days are going to be key to seeing the possibility of whether he will be ready or not for the World Cup."

Under FIFA regulations, Richards can still be replaced on the roster up until 24 hours before the team's opening match. The United States kicks off its tournament campaign on June 11 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California.

The U.S. is co-hosting the expanded 48-team tournament alongside Canada and Mexico. The Americans secured a 3-2 victory over Senegal in a friendly on Sunday and will play one final tune-up match this Saturday against Germany.

United States World Cup Roster

Goalkeepers

• Chris Brady

• Matt Freese

• Matt Turner

Defenders

• Max Arfsten

• Sergiño Dest

• Alex Freeman

• Mark McKenzie

• Tim Ream

• Chris Richards

• Antonee Robinson

• Miles Robinson

• Joe Scally

• Auston Trusty

Midfielders

• Tyler Adams

• Sebastian Berhalter

• Weston McKennie

• Cristian Roldan

Attacking Midfielders / Wingers

• Brenden Aaronson

• Christian Pulisic

• Gio Reyna

• Malik Tillman

• Tim Weah

• Alejandro Zendejas

Forwards

• Folarin Balogun

• Ricardo Pepi

• Haji Wright

– Field Level Media / Reuters