The USMNT faced off against defending champions Mexico in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium, and it didn’t take long for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to strike first. Defender Chris Richards opened the scoring with a sensational header early in the match.
With both nations splitting the last seven Gold Cups since 2011—Mexico claiming four titles and the US three—tensions were high heading into the final. Mexican fans, who made up the majority in the stadium, came ready to defend their crown, but the early goal quickly silenced the crowd.
The play began when Patrick Agyemang was fouled near midfield, and the US made the most of the opportunity. Sebastian Belharter delivered a perfectly placed cross into the box, where Richards rose above his marker to power a header off the underside of the bar. The ball crossed the line before bouncing out, capping off a superb finish from the center-back in the 4th minute.
Richards has emerged as a surprise X-factor for Pochettino throughout the tournament. He also netted the match-winner against Saudi Arabia in the group stage with a similar header, and now he’s repeated the feat on the biggest stage of the competition.
Richards sets historic mark against Mexico
Richards’ goal came at a critical moment, ending Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagón’s run of four consecutive clean sheets. But the center-back also etched his name into the record books with a historic strike.
Clocked at 3 minutes and 31 seconds, Richards’ opener is now the fastest goal ever scored against Mexico in Gold Cup history. The previous record was held by Guatemala legend Carlos Ruiz, who scored in the 4th minute and 35th second during the 2011 tournament.
