World Cup 2026: Tactical trends as Brazil join others in adopting a 4-4-2

Football tactics are continually being developed and analysed in an increasingly detailed manner so it is interesting, and fun, to see the 4-4-2 become so commonly used at this World Cup.

Premier League football of the early 2000s was typified by the 4-4-2 formation. Spaces between players were bigger with fewer low blocks and less drilled high presses seen.

This led to more time and space for attackers to express themselves.

Teams, perhaps due to conditions and lack of coaching time, have reverted to using a 4-4-2 that looks similar, in part explaining why games feel more open.

Many teams are opting for such a shape out of possession including Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Brazil, Haiti, Scotland and Japan, at times.

In their 4-4-2, teams are picking moments in which to step up and press but for large parts of the game are choosing instead to defend in a mid-block – rather than defending deep or pressing high consistently.

If international sides opt to simply sit in and defend deep, they are ultimately conceding a level of control on the game.

Especially against bigger nations, allowing them long spells of attacking possession around your box essentially gives them the sort of game they would want to play.

Pressing intensely all game becomes less effective given the gruelling heat and humidity but in moments has provided fruitful for teams such as Mexico, Morocco and Germany, who have all scored soon after forcing an opposition turnover.

This then leaves teams defending in the middle of the pitch in a 4-4-2 shape.

The formation provides cover in a wide and balanced manner but it does leave spaces between the lines that teams have managed to exploit well via our next trend.