Position-Specific Differences in Physical and Technical-Tactical Match Demands Across FIFA U17, U20, and Men's World Cups.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare physical and technical-tactical match performance across 13 specialized positions in 3 competitive levels of international football: the FIFA U17 World Cup Indonesia 2023 (U17WC), FIFA U20 World Cup Argentina 2023 (U20WC), and FIFA Men's World Cup Qatar 2022 (MWC).

METHODS

Physical and technical-tactical data from 168 matches were analyzed, with 1535 full-match player observations retained across competitions and positions. Linear and generalized linear mixed models were used to examine competition, position, and their interaction effects on match demands.

RESULTS

U17WC players covered 2% to 4% lower total distance and 18% to 19% lower high-intensity running distance than U20WC and MWC players (P ≤ .0367; effect size: 0.2-0.5). MWC players recorded 11% to 31% greater sprinting distances and higher top speeds (P ≤ .0297; effect size: 0.1-0.5). Technical-tactical metrics generally increased with competition level, with MWC players performing more passes (+9% to 22%), offers to receive (+46% to 79%), ball receptions (+51% to 89%), and defensive pressures (+14% to 34%), alongside higher pass completion rates (+4%). In contrast, defensive actions such as tackles, blocks, clearances, and interceptions peaked at the U20WC. Across competitions, positional roles displayed systematic, position-dependent differences, with midfield and wide players demonstrating contrasts across a greater number of performance metrics, central defenders showing differences primarily in ball distribution, and forwards exhibiting increased technical-tactical involvement rather than greater running demands.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that match performance differences were position-dependent across competitions, supporting the use of age-by-position benchmarks rather than generic age-group profiles.