The 2026 World Cup has identified 8 teams participating in the quarter-finals. Besides the performances on the pitch, professional statistics also partly reflect the strength and playing style of each team.
Argentina leads in chances creation
The reigning champion Argentina is owning the highest expected goal index (xG) in the tournament. This is not too surprising as Lionel Messi still leads the top scorer race, despite missing two penalties.
What is more noteworthy is that England is second in terms of xG, slightly better than Spain. Despite facing many difficulties against Ghana and Panama, coach Thomas Tuchel's team still created very high-quality opportunities.
In addition, England is also the team with the most headers among the remaining 8 teams with 22 headers.
In the opposite direction, Morocco - France's opponent in the quarter-finals - has only achieved xG 6.4 after 5 matches and has the fewest shots in the penalty area (38 times).
Messi leads the personal statistics race
Top stars continue to dominate attacking stats at this year's World Cup.
Messi leads in both the number of shots and the expected goals index. Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are also in the group of players with the most outstanding stats in the tournament.
In addition to the 4 strikers mentioned above, only Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain possesses a xG index exceeding the 3-goal mark.
Belgium owns "machines" that operate sustainably
Belgium is the team with the most total travel distance at the 2026 World Cup.
Notably, 4 players of this team are in the top 10 players who have run the most in the tournament, with Youri Tielemans being the first to overcome the 60km mark after the victory over the USA in the round of 16.
In the England national team jersey, Harry Kane is the most active player when he has moved more than 53km after five appearances. Statistics also show that up to 5 captains are in the top 20 players who have run the most in the tournament.
Anderson stands out in pressing ability
Elliot Anderson continues to affirm his important role in the England midfield. This midfielder is in the group of players with the most effective defensive contributions in the league.
Jude Bellingham's tackle that opened the scoring against Mexico is clear proof of Anderson's ability to recover the ball and support defense.
Meanwhile, Neil El Aynaoui of Morocco is the player who performed the most direct pressing when the opponent was holding the ball.
Pedri again leads in the number of times he put pressure on the opponent, causing them to lose control of the ball - a statistic that helps explain why Spain always excels in controlling the game.
Spain is still the "ball control king
Spain continues to be the team with the most ball possession at the 2026 World Cup.
The midfield trio Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo helped La Roja maintain superior ball control, while creating a foundation for the team to finish off the opponent early, just like the victory over Austria in the 1/16 round.
Not only holding the ball well, Spain is also the team that regained the most ball possession in the league with 252 times.
Interestingly, their opponent in the quarter-finals, Belgium, is the only team among the remaining 8 teams with a lower ball possession rate than their opponent. This shows that coach Rudi Garcia's team is ready to give up the game, waiting for an opportunity to launch sharp counter-attacks.
