Goals per game
2.57
1686 goals across 657 matches in the dataset.
Storylines
The narratives the data is telling: who the model fancies, the toughest group, a dark horse, and which sides carry the most pedigree. Everything here is computed — no hot takes.
The model's favourites
Current field ranked by the model's learned rating.
- 1NetherlandsElite contender1769
- 2FranceElite contender1748
- 3GermanyElite contender1746
- 4BrazilElite contender1702
- 5ArgentinaIn the mix1693
- 6EnglandIn the mix1636
Group of death
Group E — toughest on paper (avg rating 1571).
- Germany1746
- Ecuador1542
- Curaçao1500
- Ivory Coast1494
Dark horse
Best recent form outside the top tier.
Turkey
Rating 1565 · 12 form pts
Tournament pedigree
Final appearances on record among the current field.
- Germany6 finals
- Argentina5 finals
- Brazil4 finals
- France4 finals
- Netherlands3 finals
By the numbers
Wildest match on record
10–1
Hungary vs El Salvador, FIFA World Cup 1982 — 11 goals.
Serial finalist
Germany
Reached 6 finals in the dataset.
Knockout football is brutal
68%
113 of 166 knockout matches were level or decided by one goal.