Back three, rotations, counter-pressing, low blocks and more: the trends in FIFA’s technical report on the 2026 World Cup

FIFA’s Technical Study Group and its football performance analysis department monitored all 104 matches of the tournament using modern data and video analysis methods.

“The big change between 2022 and 2026 is the diversity of tactical styles we observed and the way teams were able to successfully apply these different strategies,” said Tom Gardner, head of the technical group. He highlighted building play with a back three as one of the most important trends, even though new world champions Spain did not play that way.

The key tactical innovations identified include playing with three centre-backs, rotations of wide players, switching the point of attack, attacking transitions, structured high pressing, defensive blocks and counter-pressing. The report notes that 30 of the 48 teams played with a back three.

The document stresses that there are many paths to success, from aggressive high pressing to disciplined low blocks and quick transitions. Cape Verde is cited as an example of how a compact defence, collective organisation and a proactive goalkeeper can allow a team to compete with technically superior opponents.

Spain receive plenty of praise in the report. Among La Furia Roja’s biggest strengths were their mastery of pressing immediately after losing the ball and the role of goalkeeper Unai Simón in building attacks, having conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.

Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, said the game is constantly evolving at the highest level, and that solutions developed by one team can influence football far beyond a single tournament. That is why, he added, FIFA’s responsibility is to identify these trends, understand their significance and share them with the global football community.