Matthew Dickens

Matthew DickensMatthew DickensMatthew Dickens

(240) 271-3625

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    • Home
    • Power BI Reports
    • Core Skills and Expertise
    • Contact
    • My LinkedIn Account
    • RLS Planning Example
    • RLS Deployment Plan

(240) 271-3625

Matthew Dickens

Matthew DickensMatthew DickensMatthew Dickens
  • Home
  • Power BI Reports
  • Core Skills and Expertise
  • Contact
  • My LinkedIn Account
  • RLS Planning Example
  • RLS Deployment Plan

FIFA World Cup 2026 Dashboard

 

This project demonstrates how Power BI can be transformed from a traditional business intelligence platform into a fully interactive sports analytics application. Rather than relying on static datasets, the report retrieves live FIFA World Cup data through external APIs, automatically updating fixtures, results, group standings, and knockout progression as the tournament unfolds.

The objective was to recreate the excitement of following the FIFA World Cup while showcasing what is possible with modern Power BI development. The solution combines REST API integration, Power Query (M), advanced DAX calculations, dimensional data modelling, and custom visual development to create an experience that feels more like a dedicated sports application than a traditional report.

One of the most technically challenging aspects of the project was developing a fully dynamic knockout bracket. Because Power BI does not include a native tournament bracket visual, I designed and built the entire experience using Deneb and the Vega visualization language. Every match position, connector line, qualification path, and team placement is calculated dynamically, allowing nations to progress automatically through each round based on live match results. Conditional formatting, live score updates, qualification indicators, and responsive layouts create an engaging and intuitive user experience while demonstrating the flexibility of custom Power BI visuals.

The group stage required equally sophisticated logic. Complex DAX measures calculate standings in real time using official tournament rules, including points, goal difference, goals scored, and tie-breaking scenarios. As results are received from the API, both the standings and knockout bracket update automatically, ensuring the report always reflects the current state of the tournament without manual intervention.

Beyond the technical implementation, significant attention was given to user experience and report design. Interactive tooltips surface additional insights without cluttering the interface, intuitive navigation encourages exploration, and a consistent visual design helps users quickly understand the story behind the data. Every design decision was made with the goal of making complex tournament information easy to consume while delivering an experience that feels polished and professional.

This project highlights my ability to deliver complete end-to-end analytical solutions—from integrating external APIs and designing scalable data models to developing advanced DAX calculations and creating custom visualisations that extend beyond Power BI's native capabilities. It demonstrates not only technical expertise but also the ability to transform complex, real-time data into engaging experiences that provide genuine value to end users.


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