Tanaka's famous assist is a myth. His real value for Japan in 2026 is hidden in one key metric that redefines the modern midfielder's role.

Qatar's secret weapon for the 2026 tournament isn't a striker—it's a teenage defender. Meet Ayoub Al-Oui, the ball-playing centre-back built to stop the world's best forwards.

Forget goals. Ayman Yahya's value for the 2026 tournament is hidden in the data—his pressing and carrying stats mirror Europe's elite midfield engines.

At 38, Alberto Quintero enters the 2026 tournament not with pace, but with a La Liga-honed footballing brain. Here's why he's Panama's secret weapon.

Everyone knows Canada's attack. But their defensive rock, Alistair Johnston, is the real key to their 2026 tournament hopes. Here's why his tactical profile is built for a deep run.

Amine Gouiri's npxG and progressive carry stats are elite. Here's the data-driven case for why the Algerian forward is a breakout star for the 2026 tournament.

Akam Hashem isn't just a defender; he's the key to Iraq's clean sheet hopes in 2026. Forget raw pace—his game is about the tactical nous that could park the bus against any attack.

Everyone's watching the strikers, but Algeria's secret weapon for the 2026 tournament is a midfield metronome. Here's how Adil Boulbina controls the game.

Uzbekistan's historic 2026 tournament debut rests on one man's shoulders. But he's not a striker. Meet Akmal Mozgovoy, the midfield engine whose tactical radar mirrors the EPL's best pivots.