Chris Richards Answers 26 Questions in London
The 26-year-old defender on the U.S. Men's National Team likes to play video games to unwind and explains his personal style
Twenty-six players have been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for FIFA World Cup 2026. To get to know them better, we asked every player a set of 26 rapid-fire questions to learn more about their personalities and their journeys that led them to this incredible moment on the sport’s biggest stage.
Here are 26 questions with center back Chris Richards:
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Brush my teeth.
Are you an electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush kind of guy?
I like both. Each one has a different occasion. I lean more towards manual.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker. Embracing my country roots.
How would you describe your style and fashion in one word?
Vintage or comfortable.
What’s your favorite piece in your closet?
Cortez’s. I had them made by a good friend in Germany. So, if you hear anyone say that they have these, they’re lying.
When you take photos with these fits, do you smile with teeth or soft smile?
Has to be with teeth. I’m always cheesing, so I think teeth is the best one.
What’s one fashion trend you will never be on board with?
Men’s bell bottom jeans.
Who has the best style on the team, besides yourself?
Probably Tyler Adams. No offense to Tyler, but shorter guys have an easier time when it comes to dressing.
If you could trade jerseys with someone in another sport, who would it be?
LeBron James. LeBron is my GOAT. I wasn’t alive during the Michael Jordan era, so LeBron’s the GOAT.
Who was your first soccer idol growing up?
Cristiano Ronaldo. We have the same initials and back in the day, I was a striker. I used to get me a pair of cleats that he owned.
What’s your favorite thing about living in London?
The different cultures. It’s something I didn’t really have growing up in Alabama. Being able to see a bunch of different people from different places and try a bunch of different foods and things like that is amazing.
What do you miss most about Alabama?
My family.
When you go home to see your family in Alabama, what’s the first thing you eat?
Green Acres chicken in downtown.
How do you like to unwind when you get home from training?
Compression sleeves and video games.
Who’s the most competitive with video games on the National Team?
Brenden and Paxton Aaronson. Both those guys. They have every game console known to man.
Who’s one person who assisted you on your journey to becoming a pro soccer player?
Eric Quill, current head coach of FC Dallas. When I moved to Houston, he was the first person to show me that it was even a possibility to become a professional. When I moved to Dallas, we were on the phone a lot of the time.
What app on your phone do you spend the most time on?
TikTok.
What’s your daily screen time?
I’d be too embarrassed to say. Let’s just say, it’s not great.
If your USMNT teammates could describe you in three words, what would they say?
Funny, laidback, stylish.
If you could play any other position on the field for one game, what would it be and why?
Goalie because of my athletic abilities. Although, I’m not sure if mentally I could withstand [USMNT goalkeeper coach] Antonio "Toni" Jiménez.
What’s your favorite memory with the USMNT thus far?
Anytime you beat Mexico is special, but also my debut. As a fan, Landon Donovan’s goal in 2010 against Algeria. That’s the first time I understood what the National Team was, and it made me really proud to be an American.
When you’re on the field listening to the national anthem, what are you thinking about?
My family. It’s a blessing and honor to wear the crest. Anytime you hear the national anthem and you’re wearing it, I think it reminds you of everybody who was there with you along the journey.
What do you want U.S. Soccer fans to know about you?
I’m really relaxed and laidback.
When this tournament is over and you look back, what do you hope people will say about the way you played and carried yourself?
That I always gave 100 percent and that it’s an honor for myself to wear the crest. I hope they can see that through my performances.