25 Stats That Explain the 2026 Data World Cup

Mexico won all three matches, collected nine points and did not concede a single goal. They beat South Africa 2–0, South Korea 1–0 and the Czech Republic 3–0. Beyond the results, they built their qualification on a solid defensive structure and a clearly defined pressing game.

In the opening match, Mexico not only won 2–0 but also allowed South Africa to create almost no danger. The African side finished with just 0.10 expected goals, making it one of the tournament's best examples of defensive control.

Cape Verde drew 0–0 with Spain and qualified after recording three draws. Their campaign showed that, in a short tournament, staying organised, remaining resilient and picking up points can be enough to reach the knockout stage.

Canada's emphatic victory was backed up by outstanding attacking output. They generated 4.18 xG and used the pace of the match, their pressing and the opposition's red cards to turn the game into a one-sided contest.

South Africa saw more of the ball and completed 166 more passes, yet Canada won 1–0. The match was a perfect example of unproductive possession. Moving the ball more often means little if it does not help a team progress or create genuinely dangerous chances.

Curaçao held Ecuador to a 0–0 draw despite facing 27 shots, 15 of them on target, and 2.76 xG. Goalkeeper Eloy Room prevented 3.11 goals according to xGOT, producing one of the most decisive individual performances of the World Cup.

Belgium generated 1.73 xG and attempted 22 shots, yet the match ended 0–0. Iran survived thanks to an outstanding defensive display and left the tournament without losing a single match.

Iran went through the group stage without defeat, but draws and goal difference sent them home. Their exit highlighted one of the tournament format's paradoxes. Avoiding defeat always has value, but it may not be enough when a team is unwilling to take the risks needed to win.

Uruguay recorded 27 shots and 1.60 xG but failed to turn their attacking volume into clear-cut chances. Saudi Arabia protected the central areas and held on despite sustained Uruguayan pressure.

Portugal controlled possession against DR Congo, but the match ended 1–1. Their limited attacking output confirmed that possession, when it fails to break lines or create clear openings, can become little more than an empty statistic.

England beat Panama 2–0 with 65.8% possession and 95 touches inside the opposition box. However, they still conceded 13 shots. The data revealed clear attacking dominance alongside defensive weaknesses that the scoreline could easily hide.

Austria tried to unsettle Argentina with 186 pressing actions. Even so, Argentina found ways to play through the pressure, generated 1.73 xG and won the match. Pressing frequently does not necessarily mean pressing effectively.

France won 3–0 in a performance built around carrying the ball and breaking lines. Their 57 progressive carries reflected an identity based on driving forward, finding space and accelerating attacks from deeper areas.

France had less of the ball but controlled the chances, the spaces and the dangerous areas. The match showed the difference between possession and genuine dominance. A team can control a game without completing more passes than its opponent.

Norway beat Brazil 2–1 with a plan designed to find Erling Haaland close to goal. They did not need an overly complex approach. They simply created the right conditions for their most decisive player to make the difference.

Senegal created the better chances and were on top for much of the knockout match. Belgium survived the most difficult spells and took their opportunities to progress. The result rewarded efficiency and resilience rather than overall attacking output.

Belgium’s comeback against Senegal changed completely in less than three minutes. Their two goals had a combined probability of just 0.196 xG. Two extremely difficult finishes transformed a match that Senegal appeared to control statistically.

Belgium’s qualification was finally sealed when Youri Tielemans converted a penalty in the 124th minute. It was a knockout match shaped by survival, emotional control and the ability to deliver under extreme pressure.

Spain did not need a high volume of shots to create danger. Their ten attempts produced 2.21 xG, reflecting the quality of the positions they reached before shooting. They did not shoot often, but they created good openings.

The semi-final was also decided without the ball. Spain almost doubled France’s total for defensive actions won, finishing 56–31. They defended on the front foot, anticipated play and regained possession high up the pitch to limit France’s attacking threat.