Association between laboratory tests and physical–technical output in a women’s national team during the FIFA World Cup

Abstract This study aimed to determine the association between laboratory test-derived physical condition indicators and physical–technical performance of 12 players (age 22.5 ± 1.8 years; weight 58.5 ± 3.8 kg) obtained during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) and heart rate (HRmax) were obtained via an incremental exercise test. Sprint performance was measured with split times at 10 m, 20 m, and 40 m using synchronized infrared timing gates. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multiple regression analysis were applied. Significance was established at p value < 0.05. Five factors were identified, of which the following explained 65.6% of the variance: EFA 1 = 10 m, 20 m and 40 m speeds, body weight, fat mass, distance covered at > 23 km/h, interceptions and step-in actions and EFA 2 = take-on, ball progressions, indirect pressing, attempted line breaks, passes attempted, and physical duels won. The results revealed that distance covered at > 23 km/h was associated with 40 m speed ( r 2 = 0.751, p = 0.023), top speed was associated with 40 m speed and body weight ( r 2 = 0.872, p = 0.006), and “step In” and “interceptions” actions were associated with 10 m accelerations ( r 2 = 0.488–0.758, p = 0.036–0.002). These findings suggest a possible association between laboratory tests and physical–technical outputs in elite women’s soccer, supporting the use of this information to individualize training programs.