MARIETTA, Ga. – A developing injury situation has thrown a wrench into U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s plans ahead of upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. Both Chris Richards and Miles Robinson are now confirmed to miss the matches, deepening concerns at centre back as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup.
The news, first reported on Friday, significantly reduces Pochettino’s options in central defense. Robinson sustained a groin injury during training on Tuesday, although Richards is battling a knee problem that originated after a recent Europa Conference League match with Crystal Palace. According to Pochettino, Richards reported discomfort in his knee after arriving in camp, and is unlikely to be available for either the Belgium or Portugal contests.
Richards, a key figure in the USMNT backline, played 75 minutes for Crystal Palace against AEK Larnaca on March 19th. He had been a consistent starter, featuring in 10 consecutive U.S. Games from the start of the Concacaf Gold Cup through October, before being sidelined for November wins over Paraguay and Uruguay. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in Pochettino’s preferred setup.
With Richards and Robinson unavailable, Pochettino will need to reshuffle his defensive lineup. Tim Ream is expected to slot into the starting eleven on the left side of central defense, with Mark McKenzie likely to partner him. Auston Trusty is another potential option, offering Pochettino further flexibility.
But, Pochettino isn’t limiting himself to traditional centre backs. He revealed that outside back Joe Scally and defensive midfielder Tanner Tessmann are also being considered as options in the central defense. Tessmann, currently playing for Lyon, has recent experience in the position, adding another layer to Pochettino’s tactical considerations. The coach has favored a three-central defender formation since September, a system that could become even more crucial given the current circumstances.
Robinson’s injury is particularly unfortunate as the 29-year-old Cincinnati defender is still firmly in contention for a spot in the World Cup roster. He is competing with McKenzie and Trusty for a place, and potentially a starting role on the right side of defense, after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to an Achilles injury. Pochettino emphasized that these friendlies provide a valuable opportunity to assess different combinations and prepare for potential challenges during the tournament.
“We need to witness all the options that we can have because the circumstances can happen,” Pochettino said Friday. “Dealing now with switches caused by injuries could benefit the team during the World Cup.”
The USMNT faces Belgium on Saturday, March 28th, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The match kicks off at 3:00 PM EST (19:00 UTC). A second friendly against Portugal is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st, in Lisbon, Portugal, though Richards is considered highly unlikely to participate in that match.
Beyond the defensive concerns, the USMNT is receiving positive news regarding other key players. Weston McKennie is enjoying a strong season with Juventus, contributing eight goals and five assists across Serie A and the Champions League, and recently signed a contract extension. Christian Pulisic highlighted McKennie’s importance to the national team, emphasizing his ability to bring confidence and effort to the pitch.
The injuries to Richards and Robinson undoubtedly present a challenge for Pochettino, but also an opportunity to evaluate the depth of his squad and experiment with different tactical approaches. The upcoming friendlies will be crucial in determining the best path forward as the U.S. Prepares to host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
What’s Next: The USMNT will face Belgium on Saturday, March 28th at 3:00 PM EST (19:00 UTC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Following the match, the team will travel to Lisbon for a friendly against Portugal on Tuesday, March 31st.
Share your thoughts on the USMNT’s defensive situation and what you expect from the upcoming friendlies in the comments below!
