Who are the top players to watch in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Northeastern University Network Science Institute researchers have analyzed an extensive, comprehensive dataset and compiled a list of key players.
Brennan Klein, assistant teaching professor of physics, leads a research team that pairs its study of complex networks with a passion for soccer.
The team’s secret weapon: the Hudl Statsbomb dataset, which logs over 3,400 events per match. Every pass, shot, dribble, tackle, pressure, ball carry and additional metadata — timestamped and pinpointed to the exact spot on the pitch where it happened. The dataset for the pre-World Cup analysis included more than 13,000 matches.
Read more at Northeastern Global News
Photo by JC Ruiz/Sipa USA via AP Images
