Richards is a Star

The Centerback Solidified Himself as the US Starting XI

Chris Richards emerged as a cornerstone player for the USMNT during the Gold Cup, demonstrating both defensive excellence and evolving leadership qualities. The Crystal Palace defender started seven of eight matches this summer, including every Gold Cup game, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the backline.

Richards' tournament culminated with a strong showing in the final against Mexico, where he scored an early goal that gave the U.S. a dream start. His defensive work was equally impressive. The 25-year-old's ability to contribute on both ends of the field was highlighted by his two set-piece goals in the knockout rounds, both coming from connections with midfielder Sebastian Berhalter.

Perhaps more significantly, Richards has evolved into a vocal leader within the squad, making sure his teammates are doing the right things and are in the right positions. This leadership development represents a crucial shift for a player who previously took a more supporting role, now ensuring teammates maintain proper positioning and standards both on and off the field.

“I hope that throughout this tournament we made everybody proud,” Richards said. “And next year, I know we’ll definitely make everybody proud.” Richards' performance solidified his status as the team's clear center-back leader heading into the 2026 World Cup.