United States defender Chris Richards showcased an impressive performance during the 2026 World Cup. According to data from Opta, he completed 175 out of 179 passes, achieving an accuracy rate of 97.8% throughout the tournament.
This remarkable stat places him second among all players in their first two World Cup matches since 1966, with a minimum of 100 passes attempted. The only player with a better record is Romanian legend Gheorghe Popescu, who had a 98.4% accuracy rate by completing 122 out of 124 passes in the 1994 World Cup.
Opta characterized Richards’ achievement with the word “Accomplished”, underscoring the impressive nature of his performance. The U.S. national team has already secured a playoff spot in the tournament after winning matches against Paraguay and Australia, with Richards emerging as a key player in their strong start.