Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.CHICAGO — Here is a stat about the men’s World Cup that you might not know, and that speaks to perhaps the biggest question mark around the United States national team.In the 21st century, of the 24 teams that reached men’s World Cup semifinals, precisely zero got there while conceding more than a goal per game.In other words, the teams that did what the USMNT is hoping to do this summer — advance from a group and win at least two knockout games (this time there will be the additional round of 32) — did what the USMNT hasn’t been able to do as the 2026 tournament nears.Those teams, which range from juggernauts such as Germany to Cinderella stories South Korea and Croatia, kept opponents at bay more often than they didn’t. It was proof that international tournaments are often less about scoring goals, and more about preventing them. It was true of Germany in 2002 and eventual winners Spain in 2010, but also for Portugal in 2006 and Morocco in 2022.And it is the simplest reason to doubt the U.S. in 2026.In its last 13 games, dating back to the Concacaf Gold Cup knockouts rounds, the USMNT has recorded just one shutout, in the 2-0 win against Japan in September. In each of their four games so far this calendar year, albeit against strong opposition, the Americans have conceded multiple goals.They have looked good at times, especially over the past week in two final warm-up friendlies against Senegal and Germany. But they simply aren’t defensively solid. Tactically, they are fluid and aggressive. Individually, they are thin at center back. Even as they impressed this weekend and last, they made mistakes and looked vulnerable in those two friendlies.Which brings us to the moment’s most pressing question: can Chris Richards change all that?Chris Richards’ injured ankle is of chief concern for the USMNT entering the World Cup (Omar Vega / Getty Images)Richards, the team’s top center back, missed both matches while recovering from an ankle injury.There are increasingly strong hints from the U.S. camp that the Crystal Palace defender will be healthy enough to play in Friday’s World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, but will he be fully fit? Will he be sharp, having not played competitive soccer in nearly a month? Will the 26-year-old be the problem solver and domineering force that he can be at his best?All of those questions arose again and again in these two warmup friendlies. For Senegal’s first goal, Tim Ream and Mark McKenzie were too passive. Senegal’s second was a gift from a third center back behind Richards on the depth chart, Miles Robinson.