With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a week away, The Run-Through invited US Men’s Soccer player Chris Richards to talk with Vogue soccer fans Taylor Antrim and Alyssa Hardy about his path to his first World Cup.

The 26-year-old defender grew up in Hoover, Alabama, a town where soccer is king. “Everybody knew everybody,” he says, “and a lot of the kids who played soccer were also the kicker for the football team.” Still, playing professionally wasn’t seen as a real option. “Teachers laughed at me when I told them I wanted to do this for a living,” Richards shares. “But I just kept my head down and decided I wanted to prove them wrong. And I think I’ve done pretty well at that.”

Right now, he’s sidelined with an ankle injury, so he’s been busy doing strength exercises and massaging the swelling down. He’ll sit out the final warm-up match against Germany this weekend, but plans to play once the World Cup officially starts. “It feels like everyone’s still kind of holding their breath,” he says.

Richards also talks about finding community while playing for Bayern Munich and Crystal Palace. “London is a beautiful place to find yourself,” he says. “South London reminded me a lot of home—it’s very hardworking and full of cultures I’ve been really excited to explore.” He credits his time abroad and his teammates for helping him develop his personal style.

Earlier in the episode, Chloe and Chioma catch up after some time apart. Chloe talks about her first time helping pick the 10 finalists for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and Chioma tells Chloe all about the three-day British Vogue Wellness Retreat at Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, where she joined conversations about women’s health and tried activities like axe throwing and archery. Chioma, a wellness lover, was totally in her happy place.

Other big news from England this week: Dua Lipa and Callum Turner got married at Marylebone Town Hall—the same place where Chioma’s parents tied the knot years ago! Plus, Chioma met one of her all-time favorite women at SXSW London: Michelle Obama!

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the podcast topic Team USAs Chris Richards talks about getting ready for his first World Cup

BeginnerLevel Questions

Q Who is Chris Richards
A He is a professional soccer player who plays as a defender for the US Mens National Team and for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League

Q Is this his first World Cup
A Yes This podcast focuses on him preparing for his very first World Cup appearance with Team USA

Q What is the main topic of this podcast episode
A Its a conversation about how Chris Richards is physically and mentally getting ready for the biggest tournament of his career

Q Why is this podcast interesting for soccer fans
A It gives a behindthescenes look at what a player actually goes throughtraining mindset and pressureright before a World Cup

Intermediate Questions

Q What specific challenges does Chris talk about when preparing for his first World Cup
A He discusses staying healthy managing the pressure of expectations and adapting to the speed of the tournament compared to regular league games

Q How does he deal with nerves or anxiety before a big game like the World Cup
A He mentions focusing on his training routines trusting his teammates and staying in the present moment instead of thinking about the whole tournament

Q Does he talk about his role on the team
A Yes He likely discusses how he fits into the defense what the coach expects from him and how he supports the team both on and off the field

Q What practical tips does Chris share for young players
A He emphasizes hard work listening to coaches and learning from older more experienced teammates He also stresses the importance of recovery and taking care of your body

Advanced Questions

Q How does preparing for a World Cup differ from preparing for a normal club season
A The preparation is more intense and shorter Players have less time to build chemistry and every game is a mustwin The mental focus is also much higher because the whole world is watching

Q What does Chris say about the mental side of the game