English fans expect coach Thomas Tuchel to employ the right tactics to lead England to victory in the 2026 World Cup - Photo: Reuters
Andy Roxburgh, currently the technical director of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), noted that national team coaches work under significant constraints such as: no transfer market, limited training time, and fewer matches.
These factors forced them to adopt a more pragmatic approach to the game. He said: "In international football, there is no transfer market. You choose and use what is available to you."
* Speed and pressing style of play
Roxburgh, who managed Scotland at the 1990 World Cup, said the most significant change in modern football is the pace of the game and the intensity of pressing on the opposing defense.
High-pressure pressing is currently a very popular tactic among teams. Actively regaining possession in the opponent's half has become a hallmark of top-level football.
Roxburgh said: "The pace of the game has changed; it's faster now. Furthermore, the collective play at the international level today is much more sophisticated than before. In the past, teams' play relied heavily on individual stars; today, stars must serve the overall tactics of the team."
Temperature affects players.
Corner kick drills will be practiced extensively by teams in preparation for the 2026 World Cup - Photo: Sports
However, Roxburgh also expressed concern about the hot weather in North America during the 2026 World Cup, which could significantly affect the players' physical condition. He questioned whether the high-pressing style of play (which is very physically demanding) could be sustained throughout the match.
To address this situation, FIFA has implemented a rule requiring three-minute breaks between each half for players to drink water. Former Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva, now a member of FIFA's technical research group, said: "These breaks can have significant strategic implications."
* Fixed situations... are back!
England manager Thomas Tuchel has stressed the increasing importance of set pieces and long throw-ins ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
This was clearly demonstrated in this season's Premier League, where Arsenal won the title thanks to their "powerful weapon" from corner kicks. Tuchel emphasized: "All the tactics of corner kicks, throw-ins, and crosses are back."
It's not just Coach Tuchel; ESPN football experts also affirm that set pieces will be a "killer tactic" that coaches practice to use, as they will directly impact the outcome of a match.
Overall, the 2026 World Cup is unlikely to be dominated by a single tactical formation. Success will belong to teams that can flexibly switch between ball control, tight defense, and attacking, quick counter-attacking play without losing their team structure. Therefore, squad depth is more important than ever.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chien-thuat-nao-se-len-ngoi-o-world-cup-2026-20260523142420746.htm
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