USA Crushes Paraguay as Chris Richards Sets a World Cup Passing Record
The United States opened its home World Cup with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay on Saturday morning, June 13, 2026. Goals came from Folarin Balogun, Giovanni Reyna, and an own goal by Damian Bobadilla, while Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards produced a historic performance.
Richards completed all 83 of his passes, a figure ESPN said is the most completed passes with 100 percent accuracy in a World Cup match since data collection began in 1966. U.S. coverage described him as “the quiet architect” of what the team was building from the back, praising his passing range, composure, and ability to move the ball cleanly under pressure. It added that he helped Mauricio Pochettino’s side launch dangerous attacks and called the display “simply crazy.”
The match also featured another record: 38-year-old Tim Ream, who is 38 years and 250 days old, broke Fernando Clavijo’s mark to become the oldest player to appear for the United States in a World Cup. Balogun also made history by becoming the first U.S. player to score a brace in a World Cup match since Brian McBride in 2002.
After collecting its first three points of the tournament, the United States will next face Australia and Turkey.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
