Stars use mind games at World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already seen its share of surprises, with Morocco tying five-time champion Brazil and Australia beating Turkey. The quality of the players and coaching staff matters, and recent advances in sports analytics have led to the adoption of data-driven in-game decisions.

Top football teams increasingly rely on big data and predictive algorithms to gain an advantage. Sports psychology plays a big role, too. As a sport psychologist and director of the Global Sport Leadership Solutions Lab at Drexel University, I study how players and coaches can manage chaos on the pitch to strategically improve performance and win.

A team that can manage chaos on the pitch can often improve performance and win. Controlled mind-wandering is beneficial in performance sports. Mind-wandering is often seen as negative, but new neuroimaging evidence suggests that the brain is not at rest during these moments. Instead, it is processing information differently.

Lionel Messi‘s eyes are often off the ball, which allows him to mind-wander and look away from the action. This ability to control his focus and attention is a key aspect of his success on the pitch.

They must have exceptional multitasking, communications, and management skills, as well as a good dose of psychological resiliency, particularly for referees. Soccer is one of the most difficult sports to officiate, and referees must be able to manage the game emotionally.

Tactical creativity is another key driver of success in soccer, involving finding solutions on the pitch to complex individual or team situations, often relying on divergent thinking. Players like Luka Modrić and Kevin De Bruyne are able to think several moves ahead, thanks to their tactical creativity and ability to balance inspiration and discipline.

As the World Cup continues, sports psychologists like myself will be observing how athletes put these principles to work. The tournament will have “wow” moments of creativity that will be remembered for a lifetime, showcasing the skills of players like Mbappé, Haaland, and Messi.

The use of psychology in soccer is not limited to players, as coaches and referees also play a critical role in the game. Teams can gain a competitive edge and improve their performance on the pitch by understanding the psychological principles that underlie success in soccer.

The FIFA World Cup is one of the most widely viewed and followed sporting events in the world, with a massive global audience. It will feature a range of teams, from favorites like Brazil and Spain to underdogs like Cabo Verde, and the use of advanced technology, including real-time performance metrics, will help teams gain a competitive edge.

Soccer fans will be watching the tournament, which will be a showcase for the skills of the world’s top players and the tactical creativity of the teams.