Update on the evolution of World Cup soccer: men and women

Abstract

ABSTRACT A retrospective correlational study was used to determine evolutionary game trends of men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup finals. Broadcast footage of finals games 2014–2022 for men (n = 3) and 1991–2023 for women (n = 9) was used to assess trends in game structure and playing styles. These recent men’s data were combined with our previous evolution study results and reanalysed (1966–2022; total 15 finals games). Computer-based ball tracking using TrakPerformance software (https://trak-performance.software.informer.com/) and notational analyses were used to quantify play and stop periods, ball speed and passing rates. Linear regression was used to track changes in these variables across time. Total stoppage time, ball speed and passing rates increased significantly (p < 0.05) for both men and women. Ball speed increased faster for women than men as speeds converge. Women’s play percentage decreased significantly across time from an average of 65% to 55% of total game time to match current men’s finals games. Median duration of stoppages have increased for men and women. Longer stoppage time facilitates greater physiological recovery. While cause and effect cannot be established, the additional stoppage time is paralleled by elevated intensity of play such as faster ball speed and higher passing rates.