#tactical analysis

The Final: Spain's Control vs Messi's Magic | Tactical Analysis | FIFA World Cup

Luis de la Fuente’s Spain and Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final — but how can each team win it?

In this tactical analysis, FIFA Technical Study Group experts Gilberto Silva and Tobin Heath break down the key patterns behind both finalists.

Gilberto explains how Spain use patience, precision and wide circulation to open inside channels, before reacting immediately with aggressive counter-pressing when possession is lost. He also highlights Mikel Merino’s role as Spain’s late-game X factor.

Tobin then looks at Argentina’s attacking threat: overloading central and wide areas, drawing defenders towards Lionel Messi, and using him as the first outlet when they win the ball back.

France Don't Just Attack. They SQUEEZE! | Tactical Analysis | FIFA World Cup 2026™

France beat Morocco again - but this was a very different performance from 2022 under coach Didier Deschamps, with stars like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise leading a new-look attack.

In this tactical analysis, FIFA Technical Study Group expert Tobin Heath, a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and two-time Olympic gold medallist, explains how Deschamps’ France - featuring stars like Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Rayan Cherki and Eduardo Camavinga - have evolved at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Four years ago, France defeated Morocco with just 34% possession, defending in a mid and low block. This time, their rest defence was 13 metres higher, allowing them to squeeze the pitch, counter-press aggressively and turn defensive structure into attacking control.

Tobin breaks down how France’s centre-backs stayed connected to the attack, how their front players worked without the ball, and why their pace at both ends of the pitch makes them so dangerous in transition.

This tactical analysis feature breaks down the highly specialized defensive schemes required to slow down the offensive genius of James Harden. The summary discusses how Harden's unparalleled isolation scoring, foul-drawing mastery, and elite passing vision have historically forced NBA coaches to invent entirely new coverages. It analyzes the "side-saddle" technique used to take away his lethal step-back three and force him into a crowded midrange.

The analysis evaluates the importance of disciplined, high-IQ defenders who can resist the urge to reach in, denying Harden his signature free-throw parade. It looks at the modern strategy of forcing the ball out of his hands early with aggressive traps, daring the secondary playmakers on his team to beat a rotating defense. The piece also examines how his game has adapted as his explosive first step has slightly diminished with age.

The piece concludes by asserting that stopping Harden entirely remains impossible. It argues that the true defensive blueprint is about damage control—living with tough, contested shots while mathematically minimizing his trips to the charity stripe and his ability to generate corner threes for his teammates.

This is the coaching layer that decides who gets comfortable. Coverage looks, pressure plans, fourth down decisions, and how each staff reacts when the first punch lands.

This breakdown focuses on the tactical edges that can tilt a heavyweight game without one highlight ever going viral.