Kim Hak-beom, former Olympic football team head coach widely known as the “studious leader,” assesses the shifting currents and tactical innovations of world football ahead of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. Drawing on his deep expertise in Latin American football, Kim delves into how Hong Myung-bo’s squad can adapt to these changes.
Global football trends evolve in four-year World Cup cycles. At the 2014 Brazil World Cup, Spain’s tiki-taka dominance collapsed, giving way to three-back formations and rapid transition play. Four years later in Russia, three-back systems were refined, and teams with diverse set-piece strategies seized control. In Qatar 2022, the 4-3-3 formation and wide-play tactics became central to modern football.
This North and Central America tournament is expected to bring further tactical shifts. While it remains to be seen, high pressing could emerge as the defining theme. Looking at the UEFA Champions League, teams like Paris Saint-Germain are notable for their aggressive front-line defense and high attacking positions. Many nations are likely to adopt this approach.
Another key tactical point is maintaining compact spacing between defense and attack, as seen with Arsenal. Since the COVID-19 pandemic increased substitution allowances to five, maintaining mobility and work rate has become easier compared to the past. Teams that sustain tight defensive and offensive lines into the late stages of the second half, pressing opponents relentlessly, are poised for strong performances.
The counter-strategy ultimately lies in exploiting spaces behind the defensive line. Even weaker sides rarely drop deep into a ten-back formation nowadays. Most teams now play in line with modern football trends. In a high-pressing duel, the team that effectively targets the opponent’s defensive gaps will have an advantage.
Environmental factors also play a role. Unlike the Qatar tournament, the North and Central America World Cup involves significant travel distances. For South Korea, finishing second in the group stage would mean traveling to the United States. Jet lag during this process could push players into extreme conditions.
Personally, I have frequently visited Latin America over the years. I’ve observed football and scouted players not only in South American nations like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia but also in North and Central American countries such as Mexico, Honduras, and Costa Rica. Compared to the European environment, how well our players adapt to unfamiliar settings will be crucial. Controlling these variables will be key for Hong Myung-bo’s team to exceed expectations.