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What tactical themes are emerging from the opening week of World Cup 2026?

In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen shares three coaching lessons that have stood out so far from the tournament. Drawing on reports from the MSC analysis team and observations from matches across the competition, we explore why the mid-block is becoming the defensive strategy of choice, how the best teams are finding multiple solutions to break it down, and why in-game adaptation may be the most important coaching skill in tournament football.

Featuring examples from Brazil, Morocco, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and more, this episode is packed with practical insights for coaches looking to improve their understanding of both attacking and defending at the highest level.

⚽ Why the mid-block is defining the tournament

⚽ Different ways teams are defending without the ball

⚽ How top teams create new attacking solutions when Plan A stops working

⚽ The importance of tactical adaptation during games

⚽ Key coaching takeaways from the opening matches

Watch our daily World Cup tactical breakdowns on MSC TV and join the conversation as the tournament unfolds.