Who USMNT must bench with Chris Richards healthy for World Cup opener vs. Paraguay

The USMNT received a massive boost ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Paraguay with the news that Chris Richards is fit to play. Now, manager Mauricio Pochettino must have a difficult odd-man-out conversation with deputy center back Miles Robinson.

If Richards is healthy enough to start against Paraguay, Pochettino’s decision in central defense is straightforward. After being at least partially responsible for three goals in the last two games, Robinson belongs on the bench.

That statement would have sounded harsh a year ago. The FC Cincinnati star has been a loyal servant for the U.S. men’s national team, a veteran defender who helped stabilize the program through multiple coaching changes and injury crises. Yet World Cups are not about rewarding past contributions. They are about putting the best possible lineup on the field for 90 minutes.

For better or worse, the two warm-up matches against Senegal and Germany provided a reminder of why Richards is arguably the most important player in the USMNT program. The 2-1 loss to Germany was hardly a disaster. The Americans competed well against a talented opponent and created enough chances to leave Chicago feeling optimistic. The back line, however, looked vulnerable dealing with any true pace and movement in Charlotte too.

Robinson was directly at fault for multiple goals in what became a difficult 3-2 victory over Senegal. On Sadio Mané’s first-half tally, it was Robinson who lost possession, and Senegal was off to the races. It was Robinson’s sloppy giveaway in the 52nd minute that led to Mané’s second of the match as well. Those mistakes are unacceptable at this level.

If Senegal was a warning, Germany was a confirmation. Robinson’s first blemish came when he was beaten by Havertz on the header on Germany’s first goal. They repeatedly targeted spaces behind Robinson, forcing recovery situations that highlighted his struggles against elite attackers. While Robinson remains an outstanding athlete, his positioning and anticipation were inconsistent at best.

Richards solves those problems. He is comfortable defending high lines, capable of progressing the ball through pressure, and confident organizing teammates. The 26-year-old also allows a 38-year-old captain Tim Ream to play a simpler game. Ream no longer has to cover excessive ground or constantly direct traffic. Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest can push forward knowing there is a reliable defensive leader behind them.

Those details rarely appear in highlight packages. They became obvious when Richards was unavailable. Every World Cup manager eventually faces a difficult selection decision. This appears to be Pochettino’s second major USMNT shakeup.

However, benching Robinson does not mean removing him from the tournament picture. He remains a valuable depth option and a useful late-game substitute when protecting a lead. His speed and experience still have value. Starting him over a healthy Richards, however, would be a gamble that the warm-up matches and recent fitness updates did not justify.

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