Opta Analyst
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The Biggest Upsets in World Cup History
Ever wondered what the biggest World Cup upsets of all time are? We take a look at the biggest shocks in tournament history. The post The Biggest Upsets in World Cup History appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Pressure Cooker: Does Bringing on a Substitute Just for a Penalty Actually Work?
Bringing on a player in the closing moments of extra-time to take a penalty has become a common trend at major tournaments, but does it work? The post Pressure Cooker: Does Bringing on a Substitute Just for a Penalty Actually Work? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Mexico vs Ecuador Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Co-hosts Mexico will be aiming to keep their impressive FIFA World Cup campaign alive when they take on Ecuador in the last 32. The post Mexico vs Ecuador Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
France vs Sweden Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Can Graham Potter’s side cause a shock at the FIFA World Cup? We look ahead to Tuesday’s round-of-32 clash with our France vs Sweden prediction and preview. The post France vs Sweden Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Ivory Coast vs Norway Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Can the Ivorians spoil Erling Haaland's return? We look ahead to Tuesday’s round-of-32 clash at the 2026 World Cup in Dallas with our Ivory Coast vs Norway prediction and preview. The post Ivory Coast vs Norway Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Netherlands 1-1 (2-3 pens) Morocco Stats: Bounou the Hero in Dramatic Shoot-out Win
Morocco have overcome a huge obstacle in their quest for World Cup glory, defeating the Netherlands in the round of 32 at Estadio Monterrey. The post Netherlands 1-1 (2-3 pens) Morocco Stats: Bounou the Hero in Dramatic Shoot-out Win appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 pens): Heavyweights Crash out in Shoot-out Shock
The first penalty shoot-out of the 2026 World Cup resulted in Paraguay eliminating Germany, as the four-time winners failed to reach the last 16 once again. The post Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 pens): Heavyweights Crash out in Shoot-out Shock appeared first on Opta Analyst .
‘Ancelotti Factor’ Helps Avoid Brazil’s Lowest Low at a World Cup for a Generation
Brazil had to come from behind to beat Japan in the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was tense at times, but Carlo Ancelotti was the coolest man in the stadium. The post ‘Ancelotti Factor’ Helps Avoid Brazil’s Lowest Low at a World Cup for a Generation appeared first on Opta Analyst .
LeBron and Beyond: Four NBA Free Agents Who Could Shift the Title Race Next Season
Influential trades have been occurring this offseason. Now it’s time for NBA free agency to impact the direction of the 2026-27 season. The post LeBron and Beyond: Four NBA Free Agents Who Could Shift the Title Race Next Season appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Brazil 2-1 Japan Stats: Dramatic Martinelli Winner Seals Last-16 Spot, Extends Japan’s KO Hoodoo
Brazil are through to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup thanks a dramatic turnaround on Monday. Relive the action with our Brazil vs Japan stats page. The post Brazil 2-1 Japan Stats: Dramatic Martinelli Winner Seals Last-16 Spot, Extends Japan’s KO Hoodoo appeared first on Opta Analyst .
The Hurled Cup? We Have Seen More Goals Than Usual from Throw-Ins at the 2026 World Cup
Total throw-ins are down at the 2026 World Cup, but long throws and goals from throw-ins are on the rise. We launch into the numbers. The post The Hurled Cup? We Have Seen More Goals Than Usual from Throw-Ins at the 2026 World Cup appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Wimbledon Predictions: Sinner Dominates, Rybakina Leads Open Women’s Field
Who will win the singles titles at Wimbledon 2026? We look at the Opta supercomputer's predictions ahead of SW19. The post Wimbledon Predictions: Sinner Dominates, Rybakina Leads Open Women’s Field appeared first on Opta Analyst .
South Africa 0-1 Canada Stats: Eustaquio the Star of the Show as World Cup Co-Hosts Reach Last 16
A stoppage-time winner from Stephen Eustaquio sent Canada through to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Re-live this match with our South Africa vs Canada stats page. The post South Africa 0-1 Canada Stats: Eustaquio the Star of the Show as World Cup Co-Hosts Reach Last 16 appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Germany vs Paraguay Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Look ahead to Monday's last-32 contest in Boston with our Germany vs Paraguay prediction and preview. The post Germany vs Paraguay Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
World Cup 2026 Knockout-Stage Predictions: The Opta Supercomputer Forecasts Every Team’s Chances
The Opta supercomputer has simulated the World Cup 2026 knockout stage 25,000 times to predict who will reach the final and win the tournament. The post World Cup 2026 Knockout-Stage Predictions: The Opta Supercomputer Forecasts Every Team’s Chances appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Which Teams Have Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Knockout Stages?
Which teams have already secured their spot in the knockouts for the 2026 World Cup, who is heading home early, and whose fate is still up in the air? The post Which Teams Have Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Knockout Stages? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
World Cup 2026: Best XI From the Group Stage
After 72 matches played, the group stage of the 2026 World Cup is behind us. Ahead of the knockouts, we pick our best XI of the tournament so far. The post World Cup 2026: Best XI From the Group Stage appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Netherlands vs Morocco Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
After an encouraging group stage campaign, can Morocco spring an early upset and send the Netherlands out of the World Cup? We look ahead to Tuesday’s World Cup clash with our Netherlands vs Morocco prediction and preview. The post Netherlands vs Morocco Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Harry Kane Becomes England’s All-Time Leading World Cup Goalscorer
After scoring against Panama, Harry Kane overtook Gary Lineker to become England men's all-time leading goalscorer at World Cups. The post Harry Kane Becomes England’s All-Time Leading World Cup Goalscorer appeared first on Opta Analyst .
South Africa vs Canada Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
The first knockout stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup awaits on Sunday. We look ahead to the clash with our South Africa vs Canada prediction and preview. The post South Africa vs Canada Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Brazil vs Japan Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Will the Seleção or Samurai Blue prevail in the last 32? We look ahead to Monday's FIFA World Cup clash with our Brazil vs Japan prediction and preview. The post Brazil vs Japan Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Algeria 3-3 Austria Stats: Kalajdzic’s Last-Gasp Equaliser Sees Both Sides Reach Last 32
Algeria and Austria produced an incredible finish as both secured the point they needed to reach the World Cup knockout stages. The post Algeria 3-3 Austria Stats: Kalajdzic’s Last-Gasp Equaliser Sees Both Sides Reach Last 32 appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Jordan 1-3 Argentina Stats: Messi Scores Again to Make More World Cup History
Despite starting on the bench, Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal at this year's World Cup in Argentina's win over Jordan to make history. The post Jordan 1-3 Argentina Stats: Messi Scores Again to Make More World Cup History appeared first on Opta Analyst .
DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan Stats: Wissa’s Brace Inspires Turnaround to Reach Last 32
Yoane Wissa scored twice as DR Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 to clinch a spot in the last 32 and set up a clash against England. The post DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan Stats: Wissa’s Brace Inspires Turnaround to Reach Last 32 appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Colombia 0-0 Portugal Stats: Lorenzo’s Side Top Group K Despite Late Disallowed Goal
Colombia were denied all three points by the tightest of offside calls, but a draw was enough to see them beat Portugal to top spot. The post Colombia 0-0 Portugal Stats: Lorenzo’s Side Top Group K Despite Late Disallowed Goal appeared first on Opta Analyst .
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