America are co-hosting the Finals with Mexico and Canada, which start on Thursday evening when the Mexicans face South Africa. 

The USMNT begin their campaign when facing Paraguay in the early hours of Saturday morning (02:00 BST). 

Richards picked up an ankle injury towards the end of the 2025/26 club season and was an unused substitute for the UEFA Conference League triumph in Leipzig.

But despite missing the final warm-up games, the Palace defender now says he will be raring and ready to go when the USA begin their campaign.

"I feel good," Richards told US outlet *Sports Illustrated*. "When I first got into camp after two long days of travel, I had a bit of a swollen ankle, but I’ve been doing treatment almost 24 hours [per day].

"I feel really good, and I’m getting ready for the opener a week from today. 

"I’m really looking forward to it."

USA come into the Finals in good form, with an eye-catching 3-2 friendly win over Senegal and a narrow defeat to Germany their two final friendly results before the tournament. 

Richards wasn't involved but explained his absence was purely precautionary. 

“They figured it was no rush for me to get back for the friendly, so we just took it at our own pace,” he added. 

Richards missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar through injury, but has been a key part of the team since Mauricio Pochettino took charge in 2024.

The USMNT open up with Saturday's game against Paraguay in the New York/New Jersey stadium, before going on to face Australia and Türkiye in Group D.

Crystal Palace's Chris Richards has said he should be ready to play his part in a home World Cup Finals for USA.

Richards gives fitness update ahead of World Cup kick-off

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