Pulisic embraces home World Cup moment as Richards looks ready

The wait is over. After years of buildup and weeks of training in Atlanta, Chicago and Orange County, the USMNT’s home World Cup finally begins against Paraguay, a familiar opponent. The moment is anything but routine; Christian Pulisic said he plans to “try to enjoy the moment” even as “we're so highly focused” on getting the first-game weight off their shoulders.

All eyes have been on Chris Richards and his ankle. “I wouldn't put myself in this position if I didn't think that I could do everything,” he said, adding that pain is part of the sport so long as he is functionally fit. The defensive setup will largely be shaped by how much trust coach Pochettino places in Richards; if he is fully available, he could make a big difference against a dangerous Paraguay attack.

The teams met in a heated friendly last autumn that ended 2-1 to the U.S., a game remembered as much for a late melee as for goals from Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun.

United States, Atlanta, Chicago, Orange County

christian pulisic, chris richards, usmnt, world cup, paraguay, pochettino, ankle injury, defensive setup, gio reyna, folarin balogun