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

Abstract

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.