Chris Richards Cracks USA's 2026 World Cup Opening XI in 3-4-2-1 Projection
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 13
Chris Richards Cracks USA's 2026 World Cup Opening XI in 3-4-2-1 Projection
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 13
Summary
Chris Richards was included in the projected USA opening lineup for the 2026 World Cup, slotting into a nominal 3-4-2-1 after previously missing that forecast.
The shape is expected to shift in play—becoming a 3-2-5 in attack and a 4-4-2 in defense—rather than staying a fixed back-three system.
Malik Tillman dropping deeper and Weston McKennie moving higher improved the U.S. display against Germany, making a similar midfield arrangement likely in this projection.
A 4-1-4-1 remains an alternative, with Antonee Robinson and Freeman acting like full-backs, Tyler Adams anchoring midfield, and Folarin Balogun leading the line.