While the head favors Spain and the heart favors Argentina, there is a third dimension of fate that brings in speculative elements. Without it, Argentina could have lost at any round. Read more »
World Cup - Soccer Analysis
WC26 Final Preview: Spain's Structure Versus Lionel Messi's Destiny
WC26: The USMNT Spectacle Ends In A Whimper
We grew a unique USMNT fandom this summer, then crashed right into its limits. Every four years, we ask if this is the year that soccer will break through into the mainstream. But what does that mean exactly? Read more »
WC26: U.S. Soccer Emotions Grows Through Adversity, Subjectivity
If the group stages were about what U.S. soccer could be, the Bosnia match revealed what's beneath the layers. The mix of energy, composure, and skill are just part of the team DNA now. Read more »
WC26: The USMNT Prepare For The Reality Of The Knockout Rounds
Taking in the differences between the Turkiye match and the opening two victories clarifies what exactly makes Mauricio Pochettino's first team so dynamic. Read more »
2026 FIFA World Cup xG Tracker: Results, Expected Goals Of Every Match
Updated after each final whistle, this page serves as a running record of how the numbers align with the results across all 104 matches. Read more »
World Cup 2026: The Last Dance Collides With A Generational Shift
The game has never been more modern heading into the 2026 World Cup and yet it still may be decided by its past. Read more »
How Will Foreign Managers Continue To Influence England?
The spine of the national team side came largely from the clubs of Pep Guardiola, Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp. Instead of England's players getting off the island, managers have come to the island to help England. Read more »
South America Regroups After A Disappointing World Cup
Each of Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Peru may look vastly different from a managerial standpoint at the 2019 Copa America in Brazil. But whether a new manager implements a possession or counter attacking style, teams must be compact and balanced to win in South America, and even more so to win in the World Cup. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: France 4, Croatia 2
France were dominant, only trailing for a total of nine minutes throughout the entire World Cup. Compared to recent winners, this is a deep, skilled side that defends and hits quickly on counter attacks, led by a teenager already named alongside the greatest strikers in the sport's history. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: Belgium 2, England 0
Third place is Belgium's highest ever finish in a World Cup and befitting their golden generation. Read more »
France Vs. Croatia Preview: A Final Of Transition And Efficiency
Croatia and France are two sides built with similar structures of pacy, counter attacking wings, a balanced midfield three, strong aerial defending - an efficient approach based on winning both attacking and defensive transitions. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: France 1, Belgium 0
With a signature match against Argentina and in carrying France's counter attack against Belgium, Kylian Mbappe is the most dangerous winger in the 2018 World Cup. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: Croatia 2 (4), Russia 2 (3)
Croatia don't feel destined to win the World Cup as much as their results are grounded in the realism of an attack that works hard in defending and transitions, a midfield that can control tempo against any opponent, and an on-form keeper. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: England 2, Sweden 0
England scored a pair of goals with one of them even coming from open play as they continue what feels like their destiny, at least on their side of the bracket. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: Belgium 2, Brazil 1
Roberto Martinez credited tactics, but one would add individual quality as well, through Lukaku's hold up play, Hazard's turns, de Bruyne's perfectly placed strike and Courtois' last minute save. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: France 2, Uruguay 0
France was sufficiently defensive and scored a pair of fluky goals to advance to the semifinals. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: England 1 (4), Colombia 1 (3)
We are seeing the imprints of Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp and Antoino Conte on his 'likable' English side. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: Sweden 1, Switzerland 0
Sweden has become the Italy of this World Cup with their organization and collective play. Read more »
A World Cup Abstract: Belgium 3, Japan 2
On Belgium's comeback from 2-0 against Japan to win in extra time. Read more »