‘Setting the Benchmark’ Part 1: The Contextualised PhysicalDemands of Positional Roles in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

This study aimed to contextualise and benchmark the positional role demands during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. With FIFA's official approval, all sixty-four games were analysed during the competition (n=722) using a multi-camera computerised tracking system. During a typical FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match, defensive and central midfielders covered 8-19% more total distance than other positional roles (P-1) were 16-92% and 36-138% higher for wide midfielders and wide forwards compared to central defenders, defensive and central midfielders as well as centre forwards (P-1) out-of-possession (71-83%; PP-1). All positional roles demonstrated a second half reduction in total distance covered compared to the first half (P-1) were more evident in attacking midfielders, wide defenders and midfielders than for other positional roles (P-1) compared to other positional roles. The current findings provide valuable contextual information about the contemporary positional demands of international football. This could be useful in the development and prescription of specific training regimes for national teams.