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 »
France Analysis
2026 FIFA World Cup xG Tracker: Results, Expected Goals Of Every Match
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 »
Kylian Mbappe Enters His Redemption Arc
Going through a penalty miss trauma in front of the world is part of a soccer hero's journey. We always knew Kylian Mbappe was world class, but now he has a familiar narrative that invites us along with him. Read more »
End-To-End Stuff: N'Golo Kante
We tend to feel grateful toward athletes who redraw the game's parameters for us, help us appreciate what we previously couldn't. We sometimes call them geniuses: a title Kante would definitely reject, but might deserve. 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 »
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: 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: France 4, Argentina 3
On Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and how France now feels inevitable. Read more »
The Defining Matches Of The 2018 World Cup Group Stage
The struggles of the traditional soccer powers gave an opportunity for bubbling sides like Belgium and Croatia to stamp their mark in Russia. Read more »
Tchau To All That
The individual brilliance of the early matches was eventually neutralized by countries with better all-around squads and this was a World Cup that became reasonably predictable once we escaped the group stage. But every single minute was thrilling and worth it. Read more »
Expected Goals Of The World Cup Quarterfinalists
Lionel Messi has been magic, while Colombia is now the sentimental favorite, but let's take a step back so we avoid dismissing Brazil and the completeness of France and Germany. Read more »
Messi, Suarez & Costa Rica: An Ode To The 2014 World Cup Group Stages
The deluge of goals from Messi, Neymar, Müller, Robben and Van Persie, impressive play from Costa Rica and Colombia, and the bite seen round the world all overshadowed the changing of the era. Read more »
Group E: A Group Of Redemption
While France is the favorite to win, each country has something to prove in their nation’s World Cup timeline. Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras have problems defending, and the speed in width to exploit each other’s weaknesses. Read more »
The 2014 World Cup: A Tournament Of Transition
The best attacker in this 2014 World Cup will be a country’s press. Of course, games are won by brilliant moments from individual players. Genius does still exist. But the modern game is less Steve Jobs than it is Wikipedia. Read more »