How USA's Chris Richards made World Cup history with a perfect night

INGLEWOOD, CA — There were plenty sensational moments from the U.S. men’s national team’s statement victory over Paraguay in its World Cup opener, and one of them is was an incredible mark of perfection.

Center back Chris Richards completed all 83 passes he attempted on Friday, June 12, a record for the most passes by a player with 100% accuracy in a World Cup match since 1966, according to ESPN Insights and OptaJack.

It’s a startling figure to be flawless in. While it does make sense Richards completed most of the passes in the defensive zone, he also got the ball to teammates on the attack in some instances.

Richards’ performance was just what USMNT needed and showed why he is so valuable as there were questions whether he’d be fit to play. He tore two ligaments in his left ankle during a Premier League match for Crystal Palace on May 17, resulting in him missing the two friendlies the national team played ahead of the World Cup.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino got a positive sign for when Richards was cleared for training at the start of the week of the World Cup opener, with the defender telling reporters he has reiterated to the staff he was ready.

“Every time they’ve asked me, I told them I’m good,” Richards said on Tuesday, June 9.

Even though this was his first World Cup match, Richards is one most valuable players for USMNT as a consistent presence on the back line, and he proved it with a perfect outing in his first World Cup game.

The U.S. men’s national team opened the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, powered by Folarin Balogun‘s two-goal performance.

Relive the action starting with US players celebrating the team’s fourth goal by midfielder Giovanni Reyna at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.

The U.S. men’s national team opened the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, powered by Folarin Balogun‘s two-goal performance.

Relive the action starting with US players celebrating the team’s fourth goal by midfielder Giovanni Reyna at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.