Underdogs Harness Set-Piece Power in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Published June 13, 2026
Nations considered underdogs in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup are increasingly relying on set-piece situations to score goals, a strategic shift aimed at leveling the playing field against football's traditional powerhouses.
Published — local time around the world
As the qualification campaigns for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup continue across the globe, a clear strategic trend has emerged among teams not typically counted among the world's elite. Recognizing the challenge of consistently outmaneuvering top-tier nations in open play, many less-fancied contenders are placing a significant emphasis on dead-ball situations as their primary route to goal. This pragmatic approach highlights a tactical evolution, where precision and organization from free-kicks and corners are seen as key to securing vital points and potentially causing upsets on the road to North America.
Data from the ongoing qualifying cycle across FIFA's six confederations underscores this shift. Approximately 31 percent of all goals scored during these crucial matches have originated from set-piece plays. While established footballing giants often rely on individual brilliance and intricate passing movements, teams with fewer resources are demonstrating that a well-drilled set-piece routine can be an equalizer, bypassing the need for sustained periods of possession or complex build-up play. This focus allows them to maximize high-percentage scoring opportunities.
New Zealand's Set-Piece Blueprint
A prime example of this strategy in action is New Zealand's national team. During their successful Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) qualifying campaign, a remarkable 43 percent of their goals originated from dead-ball scenarios. Coach Darren Bazeley's side has reportedly turned set-pieces into an art form, employing sophisticated tactics such as strategic blocking, secondary runs, and pinpoint deliveries into the penalty area. With a formidable presence like six-foot-three striker Chris Wood, the All Whites leverage their aerial advantage, turning every corner and free-kick into a genuine threat. This dedicated focus on set-piece execution could prove instrumental for such teams when they face formidable opponents in the 48-team tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico in June and July 2026.