Collective high-intensity physical load and team performance in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile: Match-by-match analysis of finalists

Authors

• Khalid EL MOUAHID, Royal Institute of Executive Management for Youth and Sport, Salé, MoroccoFollow
• Salim KHAIRI, Royal Institute of Executive Management for Youth and Sport, Salé, MoroccoFollow
• Paweł CHMURA, Department of Individual and Team Sports, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, PolandFollow
• Amine ARFAOUI, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Sport Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco.Follow

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to compare the physical and technical-tactical performance profiles of the two finalist teams (Argentina and Morocco) at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 and to examine the relationships between individual physical loads and collective match performance. Materials and Methods: An observational comparative design was applied using official FIFA match reports. Seven matches per team were analyzed. Physical variables included total distance, distances covered in speed zones (Z3–Z5), high-speed running, sprint distance, and maximal speed, while technical-tactical variables described offensive, defensive, and collective behaviors. Between-team comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted using appropriate parametric and non-parametric procedures. Results: Argentina demonstrated higher high-intensity running demands, particularly in moderate- and high-speed zones, and greater offensive effectiveness, including more shots, shots on target, and line-breaking actions. In contrast, Morocco exhibited a higher volume of collective defensive pressures and greater total team running distance. High-intensity running variables were positively associated with offensive precision, whereas no clear associations were observed with goals scored or defensive indicators. Conclusions: Performance differences between the finalist teams were primarily related to high-intensity physical demands rather than to overall running volume. These findings highlight the importance of integrating physical and technical-tactical analyses to better understand performance determinants in elite youth football.

Recommended Citation

El Mouahid K, Khairi S, Chmura P, Arfaoui A. Collective high-intensity physical load and team performance in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile: Match-by-match analysis of finalists. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(3):Article9. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.3.09

Author ORCID Identifier

Khalid EL MOUAHID, ORCID: 0009-0006-5476-4673

Salim KHAIRI, ORCID: 0009-0008-3554-4442

Paweł CHUMURA, ORCID: 0000-0002-4211-0393

Amine ARFAOUI, ORCID: 0000-0002-5705-2536 

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.