The 2026 World Cup has seen a resurgence of old-fashioned wing play, with goals from completed crosses reaching levels not seen since the 2002 tournament. According to the Opta Analyst, there were 36 goals from completed crosses in the first two rounds of games, equating to a rate of 0.75 per game. Since records began in 1966, the only World Cup with a higher rate was in 2002, which averaged 0.84 goals per game from crosses.
Data Highlights a Tactical Shift
This marks a significant increase from recent tournaments, where crossing has often been seen as a less efficient attacking method. The data suggests teams are increasingly finding success by delivering the ball into the box from wide areas, a tactic that had been somewhat overshadowed by more possession-based or counter-attacking styles.
Wing Play's Evolution
While traditional wingers like Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon are thriving, the Opta Analyst notes that modern wing play often involves inverted wingers who cut inside, but the crossing data indicates that direct, old-fashioned deliveries are still effective. The analysis highlights that the quality of crosses and the movement of attackers in the box have improved, leading to more goals from this method.
Comparison to Previous Tournaments
The 2026 World Cup is not far behind the 2002 tournament, which remains the benchmark for crossing efficiency. In 2002, the rate of 0.84 goals per game from crosses was aided by teams like Brazil and Germany, who utilized wide players effectively. The current tournament's rate suggests a tactical trend that could influence future competitions.
As the World Cup progresses, it will be interesting to see if the crossing trend continues or if defenses adapt to nullify this threat. For now, the data confirms that old-fashioned wing play is making a notable comeback on the global stage.
