World Cup 2026 Challenge KS2

Turn your classroom into a football analysis studio with World Cup Data Detectives, an engaging KS2 maths lesson that combines real World Cup highlights, data handling and prediction skills.

Pupils become football analysts as they watch highlights from the 2022 FIFA World Cup Group B matches, record results, calculate points and goal difference, and build a final league table from scratch. Using their detective skills, they investigate which teams qualified, who scored the most goals, and which teams performed best.

The lesson then challenges pupils to think like professional pundits by analysing information about the leading contenders for the 2026 World Cup. Using evidence such as previous tournament success, goals scored, goals conceded and recent performances, children make and justify their own prediction for the next World Cup winner.

The lesson concludes with a class prediction activity and a vote for the best goal from Qatar 2022, creating plenty of opportunities for discussion, reasoning and debate.

What’s Included?
Fully editable PowerPoint presentation
Hyperlinked match highlights
World Cup Data Detectives pupil record sheet
World Cup 2026 Prediction Challenge information sheet
Class prediction poster
Teacher lesson plan
Curriculum Links
Statistics
Number and calculation
Data interpretation
Reasoning and problem solving
Speaking and listening
Suitable For
KS2 (Years 3–6)
Whole-class teaching
World Cup themed days
Sports Week
Maths enrichment activities

Perfect for football fans and aspiring data analysts alike, this lesson brings maths to life through the excitement of the World Cup while developing key mathematical and analytical skills.