Chris Richards Reveals Tom Rinaldi’s Path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the US Men’s Team

The United States men’s national team has secured a spot for Chris Richards in its 2026 FIFA World Cup™ squad, marking the culmination of a career-defining decision to prioritize soccer over basketball, according to a June 19 conversation between Richards and ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi.

Richards, a 23-year-old midfielder who played collegiately at North Carolina, announced in 2022 that he would forgo a professional basketball career—including a commitment to the NBA—to pursue soccer full-time. His selection for the 2026 World Cup roster, announced by U.S. Soccer on June 17, caps a journey that began with his dual-sport eligibility in high school and continued through his standout performances in the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) setup.

Richards made his senior USMNT debut in November 2023, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 friendly win over Panama in Orlando, Florida. Since then, he has earned 12 caps and played a key role in the team’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including a standout performance in a 3–1 victory over Mexico in March 2024. His versatility as a central midfielder and defensive midfielder has earned praise from head coach Gregg Berhalter, who described him as a “complete player” during the team’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Richards’ path to the World Cup is notable for its rarity: he is one of only a handful of athletes to transition from NCAA basketball to a professional soccer career at the highest level. His decision came after a standout season at North Carolina, where he averaged 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in 2021–22 while also playing soccer. “I’ve always loved soccer more,” Richards told Rinaldi in the June 19 interview. “But it was a tough call. Basketball was my backup plan, but soccer has always been my passion.”

With the 2026 World Cup set to expand to 48 teams, the U.S. will field its largest-ever squad of 46 players. Richards joins a roster that includes established stars like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie, as well as rising talents such as Gio Reyna and Tyler Glasner. His inclusion underscores the depth of the USMNT’s midfield options ahead of the tournament, which begins on June 11, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Richards’ story also highlights the growing trend of American athletes blending sports, particularly basketball and soccer. While dual-sport careers are uncommon at the professional level, Richards’ success reflects a broader shift in how young athletes in the U.S. approach their development. According to the NCAA, over 1,200 college athletes in 2023–24 participated in both basketball and soccer, though only a fraction pursue professional careers in either sport.

What comes next for Richards? The 2026 World Cup will be his first major international tournament, and his role in the USMNT’s midfield will be critical. With the team facing tough competition in the group stage—including hosts Mexico and Canada—Richards’ ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will be closely watched. His inclusion also signals a potential long-term shift in how the USMNT develops midfielders, with an emphasis on technical skill and tactical intelligence over pure athleticism.

Richards’ journey from a dual-sport high school athlete to a World Cup-bound soccer player serves as an inspiration for young athletes navigating similar choices. His story, however, remains an outlier: according to FIFA, fewer than 10 athletes have transitioned from NCAA basketball to professional soccer in the past decade, with Richards being the most high-profile success.

As the USMNT prepares for its home World Cup, Richards’ selection reinforces the team’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. His story is a reminder that in modern sports, versatility and determination can redefine a career—even if it means walking away from a path once considered a safety net.