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Rodger Sherman @rodger.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF JOURNALISM FROM THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP

James Tyler@jamestylerespn.bsky.social

It began with an idea during an early World Cup game, and ended with me studying nearly 750 players. Breaking down all the pre-game player emotes from the group stage, what they mean, and which teams are most fun/boring: www.espn.com/soccer/story...

What's in an emote? Analyzing 747 gestures during the World Cup group stage

For years, soccer lineups were just static lists of names, but the 2026 World Cup has given us two-to-three-second videos in which players can make a gesture or emote. The group stage had 747 player gestures; let's break them all down.

Rodger Sherman @rodger.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

This is why the USMNT lost. Most homogeneous emote team in the entire World Cup

In terms of homogeneity, it was a surprise to see the U.S. at the top of the heap. All 21 players in the group stage were split among four of our top five most-used emotes: Nine chose the "folded arms,
," seven went with "hand rub," four opted for
"hands on hips" and one went with the badge touch/grab.

PBJ @joecarryon.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I really gotta see this one

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Reed Strong @notreedstrong.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Disagree. The penalty kick analysis was more important.

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