Here’s what data says about the top teams in the World Cup

Northeastern data analysis show tendencies of the top World Cup teams such as Spain, Portugal, England, France and Argentina.

Jude Bellingham of England during the 2026 World Cup at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, United States, on June 17, 2026. Photo by Stefan Koops via AP

The first week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially in the books. How did the top five ranked teams perform?

Here’s what data from Northeastern University’s Network Science Institute tells us.

Spain

First match: tied with Cape Verde, 0-0

Next match: vs Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jun 21, 12 p.m. EDT

The data suggests that Spain should have easily won its match up against Cape Verde on Monday. With its dense clusters of passes and dominance near the net, Spain was performing at full force. By contrast, Cape Verde had a far weaker showing and completed far fewer passes and direct shots.

But Spain’s efforts were foiled by Cape Verde’s goalie Josimar Dias, known by his nickname Vozinha, who made seven saves during the game. The historic tie prevented an early victory for the top ranked team.

Argentina
First match: defeated Algeria, 3-0

Next match: vs Austria Monday, Jun 22, 1 p.m. EDT

Argentina’s strong showing in its 3-0 matchup against Algeria on Tuesday largely came down to the team’s star forward and captain Lionel Messi who scored all three of the country’s goals. The team’s midfielders have spent years creating opportunities for Messi to score, which was key in its 2022 FIFA World Cup victory. That strategy was on full display during its match against Algeria with midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul playing a key role in delivering Messi the ball between enemy defensive lines.

England

First match: defeated Croatia, 4-2

Next match: versus Ghana, Tuesday June 23, 4 p.m.

England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were two key players in the country’s 4-2 win over Croatia, securing three of the team’s goals. In particular, Bellingham’s goal in the second half of the game, illustrated the team’s effective passing midfielders and attacking midfilers.

Possession sequence diagram showing a single pass by England's Konsa at the 46th minute of England's 4–2 win over Croatia in 2026 World Cup Group L play. The pass originates on the right side of England's defensive third and travels diagonally toward the six-yard box, ending the sequence in 3 seconds. — A graphic showing the events leading up to Jude Bellingham’s goal for England. Courtesy of NetSI Sport research group

Read more World Cup analysis on NGN Offside →

France

First match: defeated Sengal, 3-1

Next match: versus Iraq, Monday June 22, 5 pm EDT

French players Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé are proving to be the country’s dream team. Mbappe had a strong showing serving as a central forward, securing the team’s first goal in the first half and its third late in the game. Olise and Dembélé equally served well as wide and attacking midfielders.

A graphic of a network map showing France’s reliance on French players Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé. Courtesy of NetSI Sport research group

Portugal

First match: tied with Democratic Republic of Congo, 1-1

Next match: vs Uzbekistan, Tuesday, June 23, 1 p.m. EDT

Portugal did not have his strongest showing in its game against the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the team was able to secure a point in the first half, it failed on most of its six attempted shots. Their strong reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo also did not do the team any favor, who did not play well during the game.

Data analysis provided by Brennan Klein, director for Northeastern University’s NetSI Sport research group.