Age-group differences in receiving behaviour among male FIFA world cup players (Senior, U-20, U-17)

This study aimed to bridge the gap in age-group differences in the technical and tactical aspects of receiving behaviours across international soccer tournaments and guide youth training by clarifying developmental trends in receiving patterns with respect to age/competition level—thus, it compared such patterns among male players across WC1 (2022 FIFA World Cup, senior), WC2 (2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup), and WC3 (2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup). Data from FIFA’s official reports and spatial event records of 161 matches were analysed. A total of 14 indicators were used in the study, 9 of which are directly related to receiving behaviours. Multiple mixed linear models were employed to account for the differing distribution characteristics of the datasets. Overall, offering-to-receive behaviours followed a clear hierarchy (WC1 > WC2 > WC3) across all the scenarios. In key offensive scenarios—including receiving behind opponents, between the 1st–2nd defensive lines, and in front of the opponent’s formation—WC1 significantly outperformed both WC2 and WC3, while WC2 also showed notable superiority over WC3. When receiving occurred between the 2nd–3rd defensive lines, WC1 and WC2 did not significantly differ, but both were superior to WC3. Among the 3rd–4th defensive lines, only WC1 was superior to WC3. For dynamic receiving movements (inside-out and outside-in), WC1 and WC2 both surpassed WC3, with no obvious gap between WC1 and WC2. Offering-to-receive behaviour increases in a stepwise manner with age and competitive level (WC1 > WC2 > WC3), with the core gap lying in proactive receiving awareness (not passive ball control). Senior players excel in key scenarios (behind/between defensive lines), U-20 players approach senior levels in some cases, and U-17 players lack proficiency overall. These findings suggest that U-17/U-20 players should improve spatial judgement, awareness of danger areas, and movement diversity for high-level competitions.