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The Cinderella Team Idea, Translated From NFL to World Cup

The Cinderella Team Idea, Translated From NFL to World Cup

The concept of a 'Cinderella' team is a staple of American sports. Here's how that beloved underdog story translates—and changes—in the World Cup.

Myth vs Fact: Are Bigger Soccer Nations Always Better?

Myth vs Fact: Are Bigger Soccer Nations Always Better?

We explore whether large, historically dominant countries always have an edge in international soccer, or if tactical genius and cohesion can level the field.

5 Stars Whose World Cup Timelines Changed in One Tournament

5 Stars Whose World Cup Timelines Changed in One Tournament

The World Cup can make a career in a month. Here are five players whose legacies and futures were fundamentally altered by one tournament.

5 Men’s World Cup Stars Ranked by Legacy Pressure

5 Men’s World Cup Stars Ranked by Legacy Pressure

From aging icons to young superstars, we rank five of soccer's biggest names by the immense pressure they faced to define their legacy at the World Cup.

The Fantasy Lineup That Survives a Casual Fan's First World Cup

The Fantasy Lineup That Survives a Casual Fan's First World Cup

Building a World Cup fantasy team? Here's a simple, reliable lineup of star players designed to help any casual fan survive their office pool.

World Cup Countries Ranked by Storyline Strength

World Cup Countries Ranked by Storyline Strength

The World Cup is about more than just winning. We rank the countries from the last tournament with the most powerful and dramatic storylines.

5 World Cup Players Who Control Games Like Point Guards

5 World Cup Players Who Control Games Like Point Guards

Discover five soccer midfielders whose vision, passing, and control of the game's tempo make them the point guards of the World Cup pitch.

5 World Cup Matchups That Feel Like a No. 1 Seed Trap

5 World Cup Matchups That Feel Like a No. 1 Seed Trap

In the World Cup, even giants can fall. We break down five group stage matchups that looked like classic 'trap games' for the tournament's top seeds.

Why Dark Horses Keep Appearing From Nowhere at the World Cup

Why Dark Horses Keep Appearing From Nowhere at the World Cup

It’s not just luck. We explore the tactical, structural, and psychological reasons why underdog nations consistently make deep runs at the World Cup.

How to Pick Group Stage Winners Without Watching Soccer All Year

How to Pick Group Stage Winners Without Watching Soccer All Year

Learn a few simple tricks to make smart picks in your soccer tournament bracket, even if you haven't been following the sport all year long.

If you take one player from any country and put him on the World Cup team you support, who would it be and why?

If you take one player from any country and put him on the World Cup team you support, who would it be and why?

There are a bevy of fun options.

Messi joins high-profile World Cup injury concerns just weeks before big kickoff

Injuries to some of soccer’s star players are mounting ahead of next month's World Cup