Spain's Marc Cucurella dribbles the ball toward an Argentine player during the World Cup final.

The numbers that show Spain’s dominance in the World Cup final

Spain set records in passing efficiency and defensive dominance in the final, leaving Argentina pinned back, according to the data.
Spanish player Ferran Torres cheers on the field after scoring a goal.

Spain defeats Argentina in final match to win World Cup 1-0

Erling Haaland goes after the ball during a match against England.

Can you guess your favorite World Cup team based on signature passes?

Lionel Messi dribbles the ball during a semi-final game against England.

Spain versus Argentina: Team brilliance versus individual star power

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Kylian Mbappé controlling the ball under pressure from Rodri, with a Venezuela-jersey defender closing in from the left.

A look at the World Cup’s top players, according to the data

World Cup 2026 is heading toward its conclusion. Here’s a data driven look back on some of the tournament’s top players.
England player wearing number 10 raises both arms and looks up in celebration, with a packed stadium of fans behind him.

Argentina vs England preview: A match between Messi and Bellingham

Northeastern’s NetSI Sport data points to Messi and Bellingham deciding the outcome of the World Cup semifinal match.
Kylian Mbappé strikes the ball between two Morocco defenders, Mazraoui and one wearing No. 14, as it deflects off the second defender's hands.

Spain versus France preview: A showdown between two titan teams

What can the data tell us about the highly anticipated semifinal matchup between two high performing World Cup teams?
An Argentine player heads the ball during a match against Egypt.

The 2026 World Cup’s header trends: More assists, higher precision

Footballers are using their heads differently in the 2026 World Cup. Header assists have increased significantly, signaling new strategies.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) scores a goal.

Bellingham, Paredes key players in World Cup quarterfinal matchups

NetSI Sport research group helps shed light on a few standouts from Saturday’s quarterfinals – from Jude Bellingham to Leandro Paredes.
Two male soccer players in red jerseys protest a call by an official, seen holding his arms up in a yellow jersey.

Are some teams getting favorable calls in World Cup matches?

Game data on video assisant referee interventions provide some quantitative clarity and insights, a Northeastern network scientist reports

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