World Cup 2026 sees long-range goals double to 16% of total

FIFA's Technical Study Group reports that long-range shots accounted for 16% of all goals at the 2026 World Cup, up from 8% in Qatar 2022. The shift reflects a tactical emphasis on powerful, distant strikes by teams in North America.

Argentina led the trend, scoring five goals from beyond the 16.5‑metre mark, while England's Declan Rice opened a six‑four third‑place match with a low‑driven shot against France. Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez also delivered decisive long-range finishes for Argentina in the knockout stages.