2026 World Cup: 10 statistics that marked the tournament

2026 World Cup: 10 statistics that marked the tournament

According to Vi.

Context

Dick Advocaat, as the oldest coach to lead a team at World Cups, brought a new perspective to football. His career with Curaçao, which included a historic victory against Germany, may inspire other coaches to value experience and resilience in future competitions.

Why this matters

The 2026 World Cup not only broke records but also brought to light the importance of experienced coaches like Dick Advocaat. His leadership at the helm of Curaçao, at the age of 78, highlights the relevance of experience in high-level competitions. The performance of the Dutch team, under the command of Ronald Koeman, also raises questions about the tactics used in decisive moments of the tournament.

Main conclusions

• 2026 World Cup: 10 statistics that marked the tournament.
• The 2026 World Cup was full of records and surprises.
• Van Advocaat naar Vozinha: het WK in tien opvallende cijfers.

The 2026 World Cup has come to an end, and after 39 intense days of competition, the tournament has left us with a series of remarkable moments and impressive records. In total, there were 104 matches and 308 goals, consolidating this edition as one of the most exciting in the history of world football. Let's check out ten statistics that stood out during the event and that will certainly remain in fans' memories. 1. **Most Goals in a World Cup**: With 308 goals, the 2026 World Cup established a new record for goals scored in a single edition, surpassing the previous one, which was 171 goals, recorded in the 1998 World Cup. This average of 2.96 goals per game shows the teams' offensiveness and competitiveness. 2. **The Performance of the Favorites**: The teams considered favorites, such as Brazil and Germany, did not disappoint. Both reached the quarterfinals, but were eliminated in exciting contests. Brazil, for example, saw its title hopes collapse in a penalty shootout. 3. **The Netherlands' Worst Performance**: The Dutch team performed below expectations. Eliminated in the round of 16, the team had just 30% possession of the ball in one of their matches, which is the lowest percentage ever recorded by a Dutch team in World Cups. 4. **Dick Advocaat, the Oldest**: Coach Dick Advocaat became the oldest to lead a team in World Cups, at 78 years old. He managed Curaçao, who had a historic campaign, scoring important goals against powerhouses such as Germany. 5. **Emotional Moments**: The World Cup was filled with emotional moments, such as the penalties that decided several matches, including the dramatic elimination of the Netherlands, which left fans in tears. 6. **Possession Statistics**: The teams' average ball possession was one of the major themes of the tournament, with many teams adopting more defensive styles and prioritizing tactics over attack. 7. **Last Minute Goals**: Goals in the final minutes have become a trademark of this World Cup, with several games being decided at crucial moments,increasing the adrenaline in the stands. 8. **Surprises in the Qualifiers**: Teams considered less strong, such as Ecuador, surprised by advancing to the knockout stages, showing that competitiveness in global football is increasingly balanced. 9. **The Impact of Social Media**: With the popularity of social media, the 2026 World Cup also had its digital side, where memes and instant reactions from fans dominated the timelines, reflecting the passion for football. 10. **The Contribution of Young Talents**: Several young players stood out throughout the tournament, showing that the future of football is in good hands. Players like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo from Brazil were vital to their teams and left a lasting impression. These statistics not only show us what happened at the 2026 World Cup, but also reflect the stories and emotions that make football the most loved sport in the world. Now, everyone is eagerly awaiting the next edition and the new stories it will bring.

What happens next

With the conclusion of the tournament, the teams are now beginning to prepare for the next challenges, including the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Advocaat's experience could influence future decisions on team formation and strategies. Furthermore, Curaçao's performance could open doors for new talent and opportunities on the international stage.