Almost flawless! US star delivers World Cup record-setting passing accuracy
United States defender Chris Richards posted an eye-catching stat line at the 2026 World Cup.
Details: According to Opta, Richards completed 175 out of 179 passes at the tournament, boasting an accuracy rate of 97.8%.
This is the second-best mark for any player in their first two World Cup matches since 1966, with a minimum of 100 passes attempted.
Only Romanian legend Gheorghe Popescu ranks higher, having completed 122 out of 124 passes (98.4% accuracy) at the 1994 World Cup.
Opta summed up Richards' achievement with just one word: "Accomplished"—and the numbers certainly back it up.
The US national team has already clinched a playoff spot at World Cup 2026 after victories over Paraguay and Australia, with Richards emerging as a pillar of the team's rock-solid start to the tournament.
Reminder: Anti-record looming! World Cup 2026 already drowning in own goals, chasing the 2018 tournament
Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
