The world is getting ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest sporting tournament on the globe. Every goal can shake an entire nation. Every result can bring joy and heartbreak.
So much is riding on the shoulders of the 11 starters on each team. And it’s up to the manager to make sure he has the right combination of outfield players (plus one goalkeeper) to ensure victory.
Before the action ensues, let’s break down each type of position on the field. From the goalkeeper and defenders, to midfielders and forwards, below we have you covered.
Alisson Becker of Brazil (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Goalkeepers are in a tier of their own. There’s only two on the field at a time, one for each team. Think of the goalkeeper, also called goalie, as a free safety in American football. They’re the last line of defense, can’t let anything past them, and need to have range to cover a wide area. Their whole purpose is to block any shots into the net from the opposing team. More duties include calling defenses and setting up offensive attacks.
Defenders are the first line of defense and stop opposing teams from scoring and getting the ball back for offensive attacks. Their main role is, as the name suggests, to defend other teams from attacking and scoring.
Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
These defenders line up on the wide side of the field near the center back and the goalkeeper. Covering the flanks of the pitch, they have two main duties— help defend against opposing wingers and push the attack for their team’s wingers. They defend all crosses from coming in.
Achraf Hakimi of Morocco (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
They are the shield for the back line with the main role of breaking up opposition attacks. Focusing on tackles, intercepting and stopping counter-attacks. These midfielders control the tempo and provide safe passing options and allow their teams to build attacks from deep.
Pedri of Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The playmaker on the field, usually playing right behind the striker, the attacking midfielder does exactly what the title suggests. They are the main creators for scoring opportunities for their teams’ forwards and themselves.
This tier of players does all the scoring and attacking, putting pressure on the opposing teams’ defenders and goalkeeper while igniting the passion of their supporters each time a goal is scored.
Christian Pulisic of the United States (Photo by Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
This is usually the highest scorer on the team due to them playing closest to the goal. They are the players that teams can count on to finish or set up other forwards for scoring opportunities. Teams can also feature two strikers, one being a target man. The target man usually plays with a physical approach, is strong enough to win aerial duels and control the ball between defenders.
Lionel Messi of Argentina (Getty Images)
