The effect of substitutions on match running performance and tactical-technical performance in the Qatar 2022 World Cup

This study aimed to analyze the impact of substitutions on players match running and tactical technical performance during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, considering the type of substitutions. Sixty four games were analyzed during the competition using a multi camera computerized tracking system. A total of 1994 individual observations from 727 international players were examined. Players were categorized according to their match participation as Starters with sample size 826, Non starters with sample size 686, and Replaced players with sample size 581, while substitutions were also classified as offensive, same position, or defensive. Physical variables analyzed included total distance, very high speed running, sprint distance, high intensity efforts, and sprint efforts. Tactical variables included goals, line breaking passes, crosses, defensive actions, possessions regained, tackles won and completed passes. Linear Mixed Models showed that Non starters achieved significantly higher match running performance compared to both Starters and Replaced players, with greater total distance, very high speed running, and sprint efforts. For statistical significance, p values were lower than zero point zero zero one for all these comparisons. Regarding substitution types, offensive substitutions showed more completed crosses with significance at p lower than zero point zero one and approximately double the goal scoring rate with significance at p lower than zero point zero five. Defensive substitutions showed more interceptions with significance at p lower than zero point zero zero one and more tackles won with significance at p lower than zero point zero one compared to other substitution types. Same position substitutions showed higher line breaking pass performance with significance at p lower than zero point zero five. Non starter players maintain match intensity and contribute to the team tactical performance according to their specific roles. This study provides relevant information for coaches to improve tactical decisions, increase player effectiveness, and sustain performance levels throughout a match.