Chris Richards reveals why USMNT held intense ‘prayer circle’
The United States had fallen short for the first time in the 2026 World Cup.
The best way to answer a frustrating 3-2 defeat to Turkey was to reunite the team and focus on all that mattered – a looming knockout game in the Round of 32.
“Dealing with adversity is something that maybe we haven’t dealt with in all this tournament,” USMNT and Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards said.
“Overall, I think there’s a lot of positives to take away.”
For Mauricio Pochettino‘s team, a last-second loss to Turkey was followed by the same action after a brilliant 2-0 win vs Australia.
Players converged and gathered together, forming a ‘prayer circle’ near midfield to remind each other what was really at stake this summer across the USA.
Richards revealed the origins of a team huddle that enforces solidarity and player sacrifice across the roster.
“We always do a prayer at full time,” Richards said.
“That was what the main huddle was about. But, obviously, we just told everybody to keep their heads up. This is just maybe a minor setback for what we have coming forward.”
USMNT won Group D with six points, topping Australia, Paraguay and Turkey.
Even the tough loss to Turkey was answered with the reality that USMNT’s opponent had already been eliminated, while Pochettino rested several key players due to lingering yellow cards.
“I need to remind you and everyone that we won the group,” a frustrated Pochettino told reporters.
“Sorry, guys. We won.”
Richards said USMNT’s prayer circle, which is often led by bench player Mark McKenzie, helps the squad stay focused on what really matters in a World Cup filled with daily outside noise.
“It’s just making sure everybody is on the same page,” said Richards, who’s been one of the most efficient passers in the tournament.
“We get tonight (the loss) out of our minds and tomorrow we’re back to work.”
USMNT has climbed to 15th in the official FIFA world rankings, while Bosnia is ranked 61st.
But the team’s prayer circle was a reminder to stay on track and Richards said that the team won’t overlook a gritty opponent that’s also one win away from reaching the Round of 16.
“It’s a knockout round now,” Richards said.
“So we go into this game with the mentality that it’s a final. We’re back to work tomorrow and I think you’ll see very intense training.”
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