Using in-house data, FIFA’s Football Performance Insights team have noticed a trend at this summer's World Cup.
Compared to previous editions, they have spotted that possessions including an off-ball run which targets the inside channels and the space in behind the opposition defence are leading to successful actions more frequently.
In other words, attacking the gap between the widest defender and the centre-back nearest to them with a forward run is increasingly valuable.
Compared to the previous World Cup four years ago, possession sequences that include such a movement in the 2026 tournament are leading to around 2.7 shots on goal per 30 minutes of ball-in-play time — an increase of around 34 per cent.
Those runs are effective because they cause tension in the opponents’ defence. Most often, that full-back will have their eye on a winger, while the centre-back on that side will be tracking the striker.
@ThomHarris_
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@MLSMoves Dude, just watch the team and enjoy. If you look back at stats results, etc. it will age just fine. He did a very good job help develop these players.
@IHateSoccerPod Or late bloomers that dont quite fit in this ridiculous ecosystem. They might not be great tryout players, parents dont know how to navigate youth soccer landscape, or it doesnt click for them until 15/16/17 years old
@MidRareSteaks@FantasyPicasso Kupp is obviously useless. I have tuiten on taxi, rashaad white, chris rodiguez, 2.01, kelce, gadson as potential fill ins for that spot. My idea would be tier down from aj and grab a pick. Maybe that player/pick to get into first rd