Bayern Munich loanee Chris Richards eyeing big goals in World Cup for the United States

Bayern Munich loanee Chris Richards is getting a chance to prove himself in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, but the youngster also has his eyes on helping the the United States do the the unthinkable — win the World Cup.

Richards recently sat down with The Guardian and talked through why 2026 means so much this corps of young Americans.

“We want to win every game and every tournament we are in but being able to play on our home soil in 2026 is something that gives us this extra motivation,” Richards said. “We want to make history by bringing the first World Cup back.”

While many might snicker at such an ambition for a traditionally low-to-mid range squad like the United States, Richards knows the USMNT can only get there if they aim high.

“My family say that if you are able to see your goals every day, it makes you want to work even harder for them,” Richards says. “This year, I wrote: to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and be a part of that team; to make at least 10 more Bundesliga appearances and to make Olympic qualifying and win the Olympics if selected. Also, off the field, to find a hobby and perfect my German.”

A qualification in 2022 should be expected at this point for the United States, but it will also be fascinating to see if Richards, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and the rest of what looks to be a very strong group can continue to build and grow into a true contender by 2026.

The Guardian piece was well-done and also covered parts of Richards’ journey in making it from Alabama to Germany...but, hey, I think we know where you can also read something like that here at BFW!