FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Articles & Analysis

Long-form analysis, team deep-dives, model reviews, and Editor’s Column commentary on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Editor’s Column
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Guide

FIFA World Cup 2026: The Complete Guide to the Biggest Tournament in History

Everything you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup — 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities across the USA, Mexico and Canada. Format, venues, dates and what makes this edition historic.

June 8, 2026
Team Analysis

France at World Cup 2026: How the Machine Found a Higher Gear | FootUps

France are in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals with six wins, 16 goals scored and one conceded. FootUps ELO analysis of how La Bleue became the tournament's dominant force.
Team Analysis

England at World Cup 2026: The Quiet Achievers With a Quarter-Final to Win | FootUps

England are World Cup 2026 ELO #3 at 2107. Five wins, two nail-biters, one baffling draw with Ghana. FootUps deep-dive on why they're genuine contenders and what could stop them.
Team Analysis

Argentina at World Cup 2026: Defending Champions Chasing Something Bigger | FootUps

Argentina are World Cup 2026 ELO #1 and defending champions. FootUps analysis of their path to the quarter-finals, Messi's final tournament, and what the numbers say about their title chances.
Article

World Cup 2026: The Road to the Final in Eight Chapters | FootUps

From Ecuador's stunning 2-1 win over Germany on Day 15 to France's quarter-final demolition of Morocco — the defining moments of World Cup 2026, told through the ELO model's lens.
Quarter-Final

Spain vs Belgium Quarter-Final Preview: La Roja Face Europe's Most Dangerous Outsider | FootUps

Spain vs Belgium World Cup 2026 quarter-final preview, July 10. FootUps ELO gives Spain 47.6% — but Belgium have found lethal form at exactly the right moment. 19:00 UTC.
Quarter-Final

Norway vs England Quarter-Final Preview: The Team That Eliminated Brazil vs the Three Lions | FootUps

Norway eliminated Brazil in the last 16 and meet England in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final on July 11. FootUps ELO gives England 62.3% — but this Norway side have stopped caring about percentages.
Quarter-Final

France vs Morocco Quarter-Final Preview: Can the Atlas Lions Do the Impossible? | FootUps

France vs Morocco World Cup 2026 quarter-final preview. FootUps ELO gives France 52.9% — but Morocco have beaten every team that was supposed to stop them. Tonight's match, 20:00 UTC.
Quarter-Final

Argentina vs Switzerland Quarter-Final Preview: Champions vs the Tournament's Greatest Overachievers | FootUps

Argentina vs Switzerland World Cup 2026 quarter-final, July 12. The defending champions at 64.6% face Switzerland — who have +92 ELO this tournament and beat Colombia 4-3. Full analysis.
Players

20 Players to Watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

From Mbappe to Yamal, Bellingham to Vinicius Jr — the 20 players who could define the 2026 World Cup. Stars, rising talents, and potential breakout performers.

June 6, 2026
Article

Norway's World Cup 2026 Run: The Tournament's Most Extraordinary Story | FootUps

Norway gained 121 ELO points at World Cup 2026 — more than any team. They eliminated Brazil in the last 16. Now they face England. How Haaland and Ødegaard rewrote the script.
Article

How the FootUps ELO Model Did in the Group Stage vs Forecasters | World Cup 2026

FootUps ELO model accuracy: 66.7% correct across 72 group stage matches, 71.1% for strong favorites. Detailed breakdown of upsets, draws, and where the model was right and wrong.
Article

World Cup 2026: Favorites, Contenders and Dark Horses

Who will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup? We analyze the favorites, serious contenders, and dark horses based on ELO ratings, squad depth, and recent form.

June 7, 2026
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