Four national team tactics built from footballing culture and history — Pochettino's 3-2-5 USA, Paraguay's 'Magic Box', Popovic's duel-heavy Australia and Montella's false-nine Türkiye.
Welcome to the fourth part of FM Blog's twelve-part series, 'Football Heritage — FM Blog's Road to the World Cup'. In this article, I will be going through all four nations in Group D, their respective World Cup histories, their respective football cultures, and their respective, current tactics. I hope you enjoy!
USA
The USA are one of three nations co-hosting the FIFA World Cup this summer, and it's the first year since 1994 that the USA have hosted this festival of football. It's also the country's second successive appearance on the world stage, following their 2022 campaign in Qatar. That time round, they were (statistically speaking) the better team against the resurgent Netherlands outfit, however, they were knocked out in the Round of 16 stage. This summer, they will be hoping to replicate the success of the 1930 World Cup campaign, when the USA were Semi-Finalists.
Whilst football/soccer isn't the primary sport played, nor watched, in the USA, the country has always managed to draw eyes for its football — whether that's the iconic Pele joining New York Cosmos or the nation hosting many a powerhouse friendly or football tournament, like the Club World Cup in 2025. Additionally, this has, over time, bled a trend of how USA national teams tend to play. For instance, the USA is traditionally a team that plays counter-attacking football, as well as consistently aiming to run more and work harder than its opponents. Additionally, USA teams typically tend to attack down the flanks.
When Gregg Berhalter was sacked in 2024, the USA showed immense ambition and decisiveness in moving for, and eventually securing, former Tottenham Hotspur, PSG, and Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino typically sets his team up in either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, however, there are clear tactical principles in place no matter the shape.
When the USA have the ball for sustained periods, they will mainly morph into a 3-2-5 shape with the right-back moving higher and wider, whilst the left-back tucks in to create a back-three. However, against inferior sides, Poch's side will morph into an aggressive 2-3-5 shape on the ball, with both full-backs advancing beyond the midfielders/midfield line and into the frontline. From either of these shapes, the team will use quick, short interchanges of play to destabilise the opposition's defensive structure, before finding a runner in-behind who can square the ball across the box.
The USA will usually look to dominate possession or, at the very least, have the lion's share of possession in the game. Another primary facet of their game under Poch is overloading one side of the pitch to isolate the winger/full-back on the opposite side, creating either a qualitative advantage from a 1v1 or a numerical advantage from a 2v1. When they don't have the ball, the USA will usually drop into a 4-4-2 mid-block. They don't always remain in the mid-block, however, as they can step up into a man-to-man high-press. If you want to understand how inverting full-backs and back-three rotations like this knit together, our FM26 role synergy guide breaks down the key pairings in detail.
Let's Break Down the Tactic
In Possession
Here, I've mainly replicated what we've seen from Mauricio Pochettino's USA side thus far, whilst sprinkling in the nation's tradition of being a counter-attacking side. There's an emphasis on players spreading wider, getting the ball into wide areas (overlaps key), and attacking space in-behind... whether that's during settled possession or in a counter-attack.
Out of Possession
Here, I've simply recreated the defensive strategy coached by Poch thus far into his tenure as the USMNT manager: an initial mid-block structure that transforms into an aggressive, man-to-man high-press upon stepping up.
Opposition Instructions
Player Roles
Goalkeeper | Sweeper Keeper
No additional instructions.
Advanced Wing-Back | Full-Back
The right-back, in this system, will generally move really high and wide into the frontline to help create the side's 3-2-5 in-possession shape. I added the 'Dribble More' and 'Cross From: Byline' instructions to add more attacking thrust to the role, whilst encouraging the player to push as high as possible.
(DCR) Ball-Playing Centre-Back | Centre-Back
I added the 'Dribble More' instruction to accommodate Chris Richards' 'Brings Ball Out of Defence' trait, whilst this specific role suits his profile best on FM26.
(DCL) Ball-Playing Centre-Back | Centre-Back
Same goes for Tim Ream, minus the player trait and corresponding player instruction.
No additional instructions.
Inside Full-Back | Full-Back
In the USA's 3-2-5 system, the left-back is usually the full-back to tuck inside to form the team's back-three; however, he isn't restricted to this position as he will look to stay wider and make overlapping runs to support the left-winger in his situational 1v1s once play has been switched. I added the 'Dribble More' and 'Cross From: Byline' instructions to add extra attacking impetus to an otherwise overly-defensive role.
(DMCR & DMCL) Defensive Midfielder | Defensive Midfielder
No additional instructions.
Attacking Midfielder | Centre Forward
The '10', in this system, is given licence to roam from his position to add a layer of unpredictability to the USA's system. I added the 'Dribble More' and 'Take More Risks' instructions to accentuate Malik Tillman's creativity.
Inside Winger | Wide Midfielder
The right-winger, in this system, will move inside slightly to create space out wide for the right-back to move into. I added the 'Make More Runs' instruction to ensure space was being attacked in-behind more often.
Winger | Wide Midfielder
The left-winger, conversely, will usually hug the touchline to always be available for the switch of play from the right side. Upon receiving the ball, he will size up his man before cutting inside and finding an attacking team-mate with a riskier pass.
Channel Forward | Centre Forward
I opted for this role as it suited Folarin Balogun's 'Move Into Channels' trait.
No additional instructions.
Results
FIFA World Cup 2026: Quarter-Finals
Paraguay
Paraguay are back competing in the World Cup, qualifying for the first time since 2010. This summer's edition will be the ninth World Cup tournament they have qualified for. Back in 2010, Paraguay managed to reach the Quarter-Finals of the competition, representing the nation's most successful World Cup journey to-date. This summer, they will be looking to eclipse that success.
Paraguay are not short of wonderful, footballing stories as they have a rich history in the world's game. For instance, in 1953, Paraguay won the Copa America for the first of two times — their 1953 side were defensively solid, however, they were also able to control games with the ball at their feet thanks to possessing better technical players than most of their opponents.
No matter how successful the national team has been down the years, Paraguay have always showcased an undying 'warrior-style' determination, with players fighting tooth and nail for each other that consistently 'invoked a spirit of dogged, against-the-odds defence'. This could also be seen in their 2010 World Cup side, of which would press high from within a 4-4-2 formation and invoked a 'siege mentality'. Additionally, the 2010 side were characterised by rapid, lethal counter-attacks. Interestingly enough, Paraguay were the innovators of the 'Magic Box', of which was made famous by Brazil sides between the 1950s and early 2000s.
Under Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay has retained their historical fight and will, as their current side poses a very physical, resolute challenge for opposition teams — they are very difficult to break down, especially as they retreat into a very compact 4-4-2 block. To compact the space between the lines, the defensive line is positioned higher whilst constantly stepping up to force the opposition backwards or to go over Paraguay's high line. Paraguay loves to win the ball back in midfield and spring deadly counter-attacks. Additionally, Paraguay has proven to be particularly skilled from set-pieces.
Let's Break Down the Tactic
In Possession
Here, I've mainly tried to replicate Alfaro's tactics in charge of the Paraguay national team. Paraguay are a very direct team, looking to get the ball forward as quickly as possible.
Out of Possession
Here, I've blended the tactics used by Gustavo Alfaro so far in his tenure with Paraguay's defensive solidity from their 1953 Copa America victory and their high-pressing approach in 2010.
Opposition Instructions
Player Roles
Goalkeeper | Sweeper Keeper
No additional instructions.
Wing-Back | Full-Back
Of the two full-backs, the right-back is usually the more offensive. All outfielders have the 'Tackle Harder' instruction applied to represent Paraguay's history of being a physically dominant side.
Centre-Back | Centre-Back
Gustavo Gomez has a tendency to switch the play often, hence the 'More Direct Passing'.
Ball-Playing Centre-Back | Centre-Back
I chose this role as it suited Omar Alderete's profile best in-game. I added the 'Dribble More' instruction to accommodate for his 'Tries to Play Way Out of Trouble' trait.
Inside Full-Back | Full-Back
As the right-back advances higher on the right, the left-back usually tucks in to form a back-three for the team. I added the 'Dribble More' instruction to reflect his 'Brings Ball Out of Defence' trait in-game.
Defensive Midfielder | Defensive Midfielder
In this tactic, I've adopted the 'Magic Box' used by Brazil between the 1950s and early 2000s as it was actually Paraguay that innovated it. To accentuate the quality of this 'Magic Box', I applied the 'Shorter Passing' instruction to all midfielders and the dropping striker above.
Box-To-Box Midfielder | Defensive Midfielder
Whilst one of Paraguay's double-pivot will remain deeper, the other will tend to move higher and crash the box late to add another attacking option. I added the 'Roam From Position' instruction to allow Diego Gomez the licence to move wherever he please.
Attacking Midfielder | Centre Forward
In this system, Enciso is given licence to roam from his position to move and get on the ball in more advantageous positions than his original position. Upon receiving the ball, Enciso has the freedom and ability to take on a man, find a team-mate with an inch-perfect slipped pass, or even have a crack from distance.
Inside Forward | Tracking Wide Midfielder
I specially chose this role to maximise Miguel Almiron, of whom is best when tucked inside and making runs in-behind to utilise his electric speed. Additionally, Almiron is incredibly one-footed so I added the 'Cut Inside With Ball' instruction to ensure he works the ball to his stronger left-foot more frequently than his right foot. Finally, to promote defensive solidity and togetherness, I made both wingers 'Tracking Wide Midfielders'.
Wide Forward | Tracking Wide Midfielder
The left-winger is very similar to Almiron, however, he will more likely hold the width in this system, especially as the left-back is somewhat inverted. Upon receiving the ball, I want Ramon Sosa to ensure he is getting the ball onto his stronger right foot, rather than his dodgy left foot.
Deep-Lying Forward | Centre Forward
I chose this role to emphasise the positional and zonal dominance of our central 'Magic Box'.
Results
FIFA World Cup 2026: Third Place
Australia
This summer, the Socceroos are set to compete in their sixth World Cup in a row, showcasing a fantastic ability to progress beyond the qualification rounds which kept stumping them pre-2006. Last time out, in 2022, Australia were knocked out by eventual winners Argentina, despite putting up quite the effort in a 2-1 defeat; in North America this summer, Australia will be wanting to finally surpass this stage of the competition.
Whilst football/soccer isn't the primary sport watched nor played in Australia — that being Cricket — the national team has developed a relative consistency in their footballing approach over the years. For example, the national team is traditionally highly physical, leaning into their physical dominance to beat teams through sheer power, strength, and their ability in duels against the opposition. Guus Hiddink's 2006 Aussie side, of which reached the World Cup Round of 16, showcased such imperious strength as it became a hallmark of that team under the Dutch coach, who emphasised and rigorously demanded tactical discipline.
Ange Postecoglu's tenure between 2013 and 2017 was revolutionary for the Australian national team, as he implemented a modern, possession-based style of play that still inhibited the nation's physical strength and dominance through a high-intensity approach both on and off the ball. The effect of Ange Postecoglu on the national team has reverberated ever since, with Aussie sides since leaning more into a possession-dominant approach.
Tony Popovic has channelled the national team's proficiency from duels and aerial challenges by formulating a system that platforms that precise ability. His side, of which sets up in a flexible 3-4-3 formation, are quite direct and focuses on releasing pacy players in-behind the opposition's defence, especially in counter-attacking situations. Popovic's side are also quite impressive from set-pieces.
Let's Break Down the Tactic
In Possession
Here, I've predominantly recreated what we've seen from Popovic's Aussie side thus far, whilst sprinkling in parts of Guus Hiddink's 2006 Aussie side ('Be More Disciplined'), Ange Postecoglu's tactical ideologies ('Narrower' attacking width, 'Short' goal-kicks, etc), and their traditional playing style.
Out of Possession
I've created an out-of-possession strategy that replicates the approach Australia uses in-real-life, whilst channelling their traditional dominance in ground and aerial duels.
Player Roles
Goalkeeper | Sweeper Keeper
No additional instructions.
(DCR & DCL) Ball-Playing Centre-Back | Centre-Back
Both wide centre-backs, in this system, will move very wide. I chose this role for both of the wider centre-backs as it suited both Allesandro Circati and Cameron Burgess best. I added the 'Dribble More' instruction to both to add extra progressive thrust to their roles. Finally, I added the 'Tackle Harder' instruction to all outfielders as a nod to the nation's traditional strength and aggression in duels.
Centre-Back | Centre-Back
I added the 'More Direct Passing' instruction to accommodate his 'Likes to Switch Ball to Wide Areas' trait.
(WBR) Wing-Back | Wing-Back
I specially crafted this role to maximise Nestory Irankunda ahead of the right wing-back, Jacob Italiano, whilst also platforming him and his abilities, including his unique left-footedness from right wing-back. I added the 'Take More Risks' instruction to urge him to find Irankunda's runs in-behind more frequently.
(WBL) Wing-Back | Wing-Back
The left wing-back's role, however, is a lot more conventional. Bos is asked to carry the ball forward more often and aim to reach the byline with greater frequency and commitment.
Defensive Midfielder | Wide Covering Defensive Midfielder
In this system, one of the double-pivot will stay deeper whilst the other (typically Jackson Irvine) will advance higher. I chose the 'Wide Covering Defensive Midfielder' OOP role to make up for Nestory Irankunda's higher positioning off-the-ball.
Box-To-Box Midfielder | Defensive Midfielder
Jackson Irvine, in this system, will largely move higher than his defensive midfield counterpart, and will typically drift wider to create a wide overload with the left wing-back and left-winger. Additionally, he has a great tendency to arrive into the opposition's penalty area late to score unmarked. Without the ball, Irvine will be very aggressive in closing down the opposition.
Wide Forward | Inside Outlet Winger
Here, I've tried to maximise Irankunda's greatest strengths — such as his blistering speed and incredible directness — and minimise his weaknesses — such as his low technical floor — by asking him to stay wider and constantly attack in-behind. Upon receiving the ball, he is instructed to run with the ball and try to reach the byline. He is, however, given licence to roam from his position.
Playmaking Winger | Tracking Attacking Midfielder
I chose this role as it best suits new Aussie international, Cristian Volpato, whilst also complementing the 'Wing-Back' role behind it. I added the 'Dribble More' instruction to add extra attacking thrust to the role.
Channel Forward | Centre Forward
I chose this role as it complemented Touré's player profile on FM26, whilst also accommodating his 'Runs with Ball Often' trait.
Results
FIFA World Cup 2026: Quarter-Finals
Türkiye
Türkiye, after a long 24-year wait, have returned onto the global stage, having qualified for the FIFA World Cup for just the third time in their history. 2002 was the last time Türkiye qualified for a FIFA World Cup and, on that occasion, they came so close to football immortality, as they stunningly reached the Semi-Finals and, eventually, earned a bronze medal for finishing Third Place. This time around, they will be hoping to better this performance!
Türkiye is the home of some of the most fiercely passionate football fans in the world, with thousands upon thousands upon thousands, and even more, turning out to their respective, beloved football clubs week-in week-out to support their team. Their immensely passionate faithful has since inspired their national team, of whom have, down the years, channelled this energy from the fans in the stands into their own performances; Türkiye sides are traditionally very hard-working and passionate, with the 1996 Euros side showcasing this in abundance.
Their 1996 Euros side were often called "unpleasant" to play against: a testament to the team's sheer resilience, fight, and savviness. Their 2002 side shared, to some extent, this infamous title — however, they were a lot easier on the eye with the ball at their feet, as their rapid counter-attacks, of which were fuelled by elite playmakers, were a joy to behold.
Under Vincenzo Montella, Türkiye's history of possessing and maximising technically grand playmakers has continued, with the likes of Arda Güler and Hakan Çalhanoglu, among others, playing at the top of their game under the Italian manager. Montella is a manager that desires possessing the ball, however, he wants his team to use the ball to attack, rather than just for possession-sake, and his Türkiye side encapsulates this, frequently putting up strong underlying numbers for attacking metrics.
Montella's system is tactically flexible, with the 4-2-3-1, 3-4-3, and 5-4-1 formations all being rolled out in his tenure — however, there are a few consistent features in each of his systems: the team's full-backs/wing-backs will push very high up the pitch, creating wide overloads that his side can use to their advantage. Additionally, one or both of his 'defensive midfielders' will remain deeper to ensure consistent, reliable ball-retention in deep areas — a deep-lying playmaker, typically Hakan Çalhanoglu, will do this almost always. There is also a strong emphasis on overloading the centre of the pitch to open up the flanks, wherefrom his wingers/wing-backs will be in an immediate 1v1 against an opposition full-back. When his side doesn't have the ball, Montella sets them up in a mid-block that can step up into a man-to-man high-press.
Let's Break Down the Tactic
In Possession
Here, I've primarily replicated what we see from Montella's Türkiye side in real life, with a sprinkling of influence from the successful 2002 side ('Counter-Attack', for example).
Out of Possession
Here, I've channelled the fan's and teams' — both present and historical — sheer passion and ferocity, whilst also recreating Montella's current side, to create a tailored off-ball approach.
Opposition Instructions
Player Roles
Goalkeeper | Sweeper Keeper
No additional instructions.
Centre-Back | Centre-Back
Every outfielder has 'Tackle Harder' applied to channel the side's historic passion, along with it being a nod to the aggression of the 1996 side.
Ball-Playing Centre-Back | Centre-Back
I chose this role as it suited Abdülkerim best, whilst adding the 'Dribble More' instruction to accommodate his 'Tries to Play Way Out of Trouble' and 'Brings Ball Out of Defence' traits.
Wing-Back | Full-Back
Both full-backs, in this system, move higher and wider — however, the left-back usually advances higher than his counterpart.
Advanced Wing-Back | Full-Back
I added the 'Sit Narrower' instruction to complement the left-winger's role and forthcoming instructions ahead of him, whilst it also suiting Ferdi Kadioglu due to his right-footedness.
Defensive Midfielder | Defensive Midfielder
No additional instructions.
Deep-Lying Playmaker | Defensive Midfielder
The 'Deep-Lying Playmaker' role encapsulates Çalhanoglu's role for Türkiye under Montella, as he'll drop deeper constantly to dictate the tempo and utilise his fantastic technical qualities to progress the ball from deep, usually from switches of play ('More Direct Passing'). I added the 'Dribble Less' and 'Shoot More Often' instructions to suit his player profile in-game. The 'Stay Wider' instruction encourages him to drift wider to support the left-sided players whilst offering cover for Ferdi's advances from left-back.
Advanced Playmaker | Centre Forward
This role epitomises the role of Arda Güler in this side, as he'll tend to come towards the ball as often as possible, even if it means he vacates his position ('Roam From Position'). Upon receiving the ball, he will look to carry the ball forward or take on a man before either finding a team-mate with a sublime pass or taking a shot from distance. I added the 'Make More Runs' instruction to accommodate his 'Arrives Late in Opponent's Area' trait. Finally, when they don't have the ball, Türkiye will drop into a 4-4-2 shape.
Wide Forward | Wide Midfielder
Here, I essentially utilised the 'Inside Forward' role... without using the role directly. I just found this gave us greater balance.
Winger | Wide Midfielder
In this system, Kenan Yildiz will typically hold the width on the left flank, consistently isolating himself 1v1 against the opponent's right-back. From here, he'll take on his man and has a strong tendency to cut inside and shoot at goal. I added the 'Take More Risks' instruction to accommodate his 'Tries Killer Balls Often' trait in-game.
False Nine | Centre Forward
Over the past year or two, Montella has been dabbling with the utilisation of a false nine and, without an experienced, recognised striker on the plane to North America for Türkiye this summer, it appears this experiment will continue, so I decided to incorporate it into my tactic, with a few added instructions to optimise its effectiveness. For more on how dropping forwards and strikerless fronts pull centre-backs out of shape, our guide to using the False 9 covers the mechanics in depth.
Results
FIFA World Cup 2026: Third Place
Conclusion
Thank you very much for reading the fourth part of this twelve-part series: Football Heritage — FM Blog's Road to the World Cup. I hope you have enjoyed this style of writing and content, and keep your eyes peeled for the other eleven parts of this series through DAILY tactic releases from the 31st, May until the 11th, June.
If you want a taste of these symbolic tactics, make sure to download the tactics using the link attached to this article and make sure to follow FM Blog (@fmbIog) and myself (@AshtonGgmu) on our respective socials. For more FM26 tactical recreations from across the globe, browse the full FM Blog tactics library. I hope you have enjoyed this article, and I wish you much success with these tactics on your saves! Thanks for reading!
