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From International Wilderness to Potential Shockwaves: Norway Mean Business at 2026 World Cup
It's 28 years since Norway last played at a men's FIFA World Cup. Despite such a long hiatus, there's a sense they could be back with a bang this summer. The post From International Wilderness to Potential Shockwaves: Norway Mean Business at 2026 World Cup appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Pragmatism, Inexperience and Viktor Gyökeres: How Graham Potter Hopes to Spring a Surprise With Sweden
Sweden's path to the 2026 World Cup was tough, but what can we expect from an inexperienced squad, where most of the star power lies up front? The post Pragmatism, Inexperience and Viktor Gyökeres: How Graham Potter Hopes to Spring a Surprise With Sweden appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Which Teams Have the Best Offensive Units Entering the 2026 NFL Season?
As NFL teams finalize rosters for the 2026 season, we’re using a data-driven power index to identify the best offensive positional units. The post Which Teams Have the Best Offensive Units Entering the 2026 NFL Season? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
2026 NBA Finals: The Spurs Show They Can Still Pull Off the Improbable
Looking at past playoffs, here's how the Spurs (vs. the Knicks) can become the first team to win the NBA Finals after being 2-0 down at home. The post 2026 NBA Finals: The Spurs Show They Can Still Pull Off the Improbable appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Can Argentina Go Back-to-Back? Seven Key Talking Points For Reigning World Champions
Italy and Brazil have won successive World Cup titles, but nobody has done it since 1962. Can Lionel Messi lead Argentina to glory once again? The post Can Argentina Go Back-to-Back? Seven Key Talking Points For Reigning World Champions appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Can Belgium’s Next Generation Get the Golden Generation Over the Line?
Only a few members of Belgium's golden generation will be at this summer's World Cup. Can the younger members of their squad help take the nation's legends to glory? The post Can Belgium’s Next Generation Get the Golden Generation Over the Line? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups: The Opta Supercomputer Predictions
We preview the FIFA World Cup 2026 groups, looking at the biggest storylines and Opta supercomputer predictions ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America. The post FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups: The Opta Supercomputer Predictions appeared first on Opta Analyst .
You Can’t Watch All 72 World Cup Group Games, So Here Are 10 to Make Sure You Don’t Miss
With 72 games to be played across 12 World Cup groups even before we get to the knockouts, we’ve picked out 10 that you should be sure to set your alarm for. The post You Can’t Watch All 72 World Cup Group Games, So Here Are 10 to Make Sure You Don’t Miss appeared first on Opta Analyst .
The Non-Aggression Pact: Quantifying the ‘Disgrace of Gijón’
We analyse how West Germany and Austria seemingly colluded at the 1982 World Cup in a match later dubbed the 'Disgrace of Gijón'. The post The Non-Aggression Pact: Quantifying the ‘Disgrace of Gijón’ appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Curaçao’s World Cup Dream Is Built on Dutch Influence and Caribbean Spirit
The smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup by population and area, Curaçao arrive at the 2026 tournament unbeaten in qualifying. The post Curaçao’s World Cup Dream Is Built on Dutch Influence and Caribbean Spirit appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Golden Ball Contenders: Who Will Be the Best Player at the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, but who will light up the competition and land the Golden Ball award? The post Golden Ball Contenders: Who Will Be the Best Player at the 2026 World Cup? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Who Will Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot?
We assess the leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, using the statistics to evaluate who is best placed to finish as the tournament’s top scorer. The post Who Will Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Uzbekistan Adventure No Mere Result of World Cup Expansion, But the Result of a Nationwide Vision
Uzbekistan will play their first ever FIFA World Cup game at Mexico City's Azteca. A ground synonymous with some iconic moments, they couldn't have chosen a more suitable arena to make their own slice of history. The post Uzbekistan Adventure No Mere Result of World Cup Expansion, But the Result of a Nationwide Vision appeared first on Opta Analyst .