US Soccer Team's Best Central Defender Chris Richards Just Tore His Ankle Ligaments: Latest Odds

United States defender Chris Richards has suffered two torn ligaments in his ankle, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said Thursday, just five days before the U.S. roster is named for the 2026 World Cup.

The 26-year-old appeared to suffer the injury in Palace's draw with Brentford on Sunday.

Richards has been a key player for the U.S. under coach Mauricio Pochettino and captained his country in its most recent friendly against Portugal.  He's considered the best central defender. 

"Chris will miss the Arsenal game as well, and it's now 50/50 for him and for us if he can play in the Final in Leipzig," Glasner told a news conference.

"He tore two ligaments in his ankle. I think it's stable, but quite swollen, and we have to deal with the swelling. He has to get back on the pitch to be available, and it takes time.

"He is in from sunrise until sunset having treatments and everything we can do that reduces the swelling, and of course we have a great medical department, so we will give our best and he will give his best -- and then let's see if we can get it done."

He has a realistic chance of still being able to play in next month's World Cup. 

The USA soccer team is listed with 60-1 odds to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Odds to Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain
+450
England
+650
France
+490
Brazil
+800
Argentina
+950
Portugal
+950
Germany
+1300
Belgium
+2500
Netherlands
+1600
Norway
+3500
Colombia
+4500
Uruguay
+5500
Ecuador
+10000
USA
+6000
Croatia
+7000
Japan
+8000
Mexico
+6500
Morocco
+8000
Switzerland
+6500
Sweden
+15000
Austria
+10000
Ivory Coast
+22500
Senegal
+12500
Egypt
+30000
Algeria
+25000
Canada
+22500
Türkiye
+12500
Paraguay
+25000
Ghana
+30000
Iran
+50000
South Korea
+50000
Czechia
+40000
Scotland
+40000
DR Congo
+50000
Bosnia & Herzegovina
+50000
Tunisia
+50000
Saudi Arabia
+50000
South Africa
+50000
Panama
+50000
Qatar
+50000
Haiti
+50000
Australia
+50000
Curacao
+50000
New Zealand
+50000
Cape Verde
+50000
Iraq
+50000
Jordan
+50000
Uzbekistan
+50000

• Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com