How Messi, Mbappe and Haaland use their brains (as well as feet) to gain a psychological edge at the World Cup

By Eric Zillmer, Professor of Neuropsychology, Drexel UniversityJune 18, 2026

A sport psychologist takes a look at disruption, tactical creativity and controlled mind-wandering in the modern game.

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Politics & Society Science

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‘Park the bus’, ‘the false nine’ and ‘total football’: what do soccer’s strange phrases mean?

Following the World Cup but confused by some of the language used by commentators and fans? You’re not alone.

Shane Pill, Professor in Education, Flinders UniversityJun 18, 2026

The Conversation

World Cup: what’s just the right height for a soccer player?

Despite some XL players, such as Norway’s 195cm Erling Braut Haaland, the average height of all the teams is strikingly similar.

Tim Olds, Professor of Health Sciences, Adelaide UniversityJun 19, 2026

Wired

Free quota

For Iran’s Athletes, There Is No Separating Sports From Politics

From defections and protests to moments of national pride, the 2026 World Cup arrives amid decades of tension between identity and the state.

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Nautilus

The Inventor of the Thinking Machine Didn’t Worry. Neither Should You

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Outside Magazine

Why Lionel Messi—and the Rest of Us—Cry at the Finish Line

After Lionel Messi’s emotional post-game moment, we dove into the psychology of why humans wait until the stress of a challenge is over to finally let their emotions out. The post Why Lionel Messi—and the Rest of Us—Cry at the Finish Line appeared first on Outside Online.

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National Geographic

Searching for ancient secrets with modern mummy hunters

Scientists at the world’s only mummy research institute are combing crypts and caverns for ancient remains—and using new tools to gather fresh insight about how our ancestors once lived.

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