Abdulkerim Bardakci sets record with 100% pass accuracy in World Cup

Perfection is a word that gets thrown around loosely in sports. Abdulkerim Bardakci just earned it literally.

The Turkish center-back completed 98 out of 98 passes during Turkey’s 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Paraguay, achieving 100% pass accuracy. That’s the most passes any player has completed without a single misfire in a World Cup match since records began being tracked in 1966.

Breaking down a perfect night at Levi’s Stadium

Of his 98 completed passes, 54 came in the opposition half. The remaining 44 passes came in his own half. The split tells you Bardakci was actively involved in Turkey’s attacking phases, not just pinging the ball sideways to pad his numbers.

Beyond the passing record, Bardakci’s match sheet read like a complete performance. He created two scoring chances, delivered six crosses, and made seven defensive clearances.

A record wrapped in disappointment

Turkey lost the match against Paraguay and were ultimately eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after also falling to Australia in the group stage. Bardakci’s historic night became a footnote in a tournament that ended far too early for the Turkish national team.

What this means for the beautiful game’s data obsession

Bardakci’s record checks every box. The volume was high at 98 attempts. The accuracy was literally perfect. And the setting was the biggest stage in international football. Previous records for perfect passing accuracy in World Cup matches involved significantly fewer attempts, making Bardakci’s total all the more striking.

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