Joining host Adam for this tournament check-in are two guests who bring very different — and very complementary — perspectives to the table.
In this special mid-tournament edition, host Adam is joined by Steve Palmer from the Premier League and Qlik's Head of AI, Nick Magnuson, to take stock of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far.
The trio revisits the bracket predictions made in Episode 1, reflecting on early surprises and examining how red cards, tactical adjustments, and the expanded 48-team format have challenged the accuracy of Qlik's AI prediction model. They explore the balance between data-driven forecasting and football's inherent unpredictability, while also discussing how real-time data integration could reshape in-match analysis and decision-making.
The episode also highlights the collective wisdom of more than 330 user-submitted brackets in Qlik's "Choose Your Champion" app, where Spain, France, and Brazil have emerged as the leading fan favorites. As the knockout stage approaches, listeners are encouraged to revisit their own predictions and make their picks before the next round begins.
