If the Premier League season was anything to go by, the slow, stylish build-up is out, and the no-nonsense Tony Pulis era of set pieces is back in. The art of the long throw-in has been rediscovered and corners now resemble Royal Rumbles.

But it is resulting in more set-piece goals than football fans have seen in previous years. And it is a trend that has carried over to the 2026 World Cup, especially with many of the Premier League’s set-piece advocates in attendance.

The World Cup is not only a stage for football’s biggest stars; it is often the site of David and Goliath-style giant killings. And when teams are pressed into their own halves, the set-piece can often provide a reprieve, as well as a great opportunity to turn the tide of the match.

But that is the fascinating state of the set-piece. It is no longer a symbol of low-brow football, now positively revived by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. And as the World Cup set-piece table shows, goals from corners and free kicks have come from both tournament favourites and unlikely underdogs in abundance.

Three Goals

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Blake Dahlin

The philosophy of Total Football has helped the Netherlands to plan a pragmatic approach to their set pieces. But beyond the Dutch framework, Ronald Koeman’s squad are blessed with great physicality.

Virgil van Dijk was a threat from set pieces throughout the 2025-26 season for Liverpool, and he has continued that into the World Cup with one goal and one assist from corners. There’s also new Tottenham arrival Jan Paul van Hecke to worry about, towering over most at 6’2″. He also contributed a set-piece goal during the tournament.

As for host nation the United States, Mauricio Pochettino’s approach has mirrored that of the NFL. Dead ball specialists Sebastian Berhalter and Alex Freeman were selected to maximise success from set-pieces and the former Tottenham manager’s tactical approach has proved ingenious thus far. Both Berhalter and Freeman have been involved in all three of the United States’ set-piece goals.

Bosnia and Herzegovina have the joint-tallest squad at the World Cup, and they have taken great advantage of their height. Much like Arteta’s Arsenal, the Dragons have been inciting panic in the penalty box through overcrowding. This has twice resulted in Ermin Mahmic scoring from the second ball following failed clearances. Bosnia’s 6’4″ striker Jovo Lukic also climbed highest to head home his country’s first goal in their tournament opener against Canada.

Two Goals

Marty Jean-Louis via Reuters

• Canada
• England
• New Zealand
• Czechia
• Argentina
• Algeria
• Germany
• Tunisia

England’s two set-piece goals are a warning shot to teams awaiting them in the knockout stages. Pinpoint delivery from Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have emphasised that free kicks and corners will always provide opportunities for the Three Lions. And with the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham waiting in the box, England are more than capable of shattering even the most stubborn of low blocks.

As good as they are overall, the answer to any question regarding defending champions Argentina often has one answer: Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old added to his all-time World Cup scoring lead with a late free kick against Jordan. However, he isn’t the only direct free-kick scorer for the Albiceleste in the tournament.

Former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring against Jordan with his own free-kick goal, showing that set piece specialism runs deep in the Argentinian squad.

And host nation, Canada, will be a team to watch on set pieces, especially after the nature of their victory over South Africa in the Round of 32. It seems that captain Stephen Eustaquio is the player to watch in dead-ball scenarios.

The Canadian playmaker created five chances from set pieces during their match against South Africa, matching a World Cup knockout round record set by Italy legend Andrea Pirlo.

Eustaquio then provided the key moment, scoring a stoppage time winner from a set piece to put his country through to the Round of 16. If the Porto player continues to provide from dead balls, surely it will result in more joy for the host nation.

One Goal

Siphiwe Sibeko via Reuters

There are currently 17 teams with one set-piece goal at the World Cup, including 2010 champions Spain.

World Cup 2026 Set-Piece Goals

Max Verstappen could not resist taking a cheeky dig at George Russell‘s controversial pole position this past weekend, joking over his team radio about yellow-flag speeding during the Austrian Grand Prix.

In a bizarre end to qualifying on Saturday, Russell was able to keep his pole lap after crossing the line under yellow flags.

Verstappen‘s qualifying came to an abrupt end on Saturday after he suddenly lost the rear of his RB22 at turn 9 and crashed into the barriers.

The Dutchman admitted afterwards he had no idea what triggered the spin, but the mystery was later solved when Red Bull discovered the rear wing had failed to close in time, robbing the car of crucial downforce and leaving him powerless to prevent the slide.

George Russell’s Controversial Pole at Austrian GP

Lisa Leutner via Reuters

Verstappen’s crash handed Russell a narrow window, with the Mercedes driver running right behind the Red Bull on track. Seeing only single yellow flags, the Brit lifted just enough to cross the line for pole position before the double yellows appeared.

His teammate, and championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, also passed the Red Bull under single yellows, but abandoned his flying lap after assuming the double yellows had already been deployed. The FIA reviewed Russell’s pole position before deciding that no further action would be taken.

Verstappen was shocked that the double yellows, which make any ongoing flying lap invalid, did not immediately appear, and could not resist making a tongue-in-cheek remark during Sunday’s race.

Max Verstappen’s Playful Joke About George Russell

Philippe Nanchino via Reuters

During a conversation with his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, over the team radio, the four-time world champion made a joking reference to Russell’s controversial pole position after the yellow flags were used during the race.

Lambiase said to Verstappen: “Yellow in turn 10. Double yellow across the start/finish line. Yellow here, and double yellows.”

To which Verstappen responded: “That means flat out, right? Past the car? I’m joking!”

The 28-year-old’s P2 finish in Austria was his strongest result in a season which has so far seen Red Bull struggle, and after taking a disliking to the new regulations, Verstappen has even toyed with the idea of an early departure from F1.

He now sits seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, 98 points behind the leader Antonelli, while Red Bull lie fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.

When asked about his title chances, Verstappen replied: “Well, I think there are more races left than last year. But it’s a very big gap. I think for us, we have very good pace, but I think to fight for a title race we still have too many issues, if that’s from a start to just procedural issues in the background that even I think you guys don’t know about, but I know about.”

Verstappen heads to the British Grand Prix next, where he has won just once, in 2023, and last season started on pole before finishing P5.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch became the first manager at this summer’s World Cup to win a knockout match, as his side edged South Africa 1-0 thanks to a 92nd-minute strike from former Porto midfielder, Stephen Eustaquio.

It marks a historic moment for Canadian football, with the co-hosts never having previously advanced from the group stage or even won a World Cup match before this summer.

Canada will now face the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco for a place in the quarter-finals, but the build-up to their breakthrough run has been just as eventful as the football itself.

Marsch Refuses to Take the Bait on USA Question

Canada coach Jesse Marsch via REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

A range of Marsch’s comments have come in for criticism from a host of pundits and former players. The 52-year-old was born and raised in the United States and even spent time as an assistant for the USMNT, but has been in charge of Canada since 2024, which is controversial enough in itself.

True to form, Marsch couldn’t resist having some input when asked about the USA’s upcoming round of 32 clash with Bosnia, who they drew 1-1 with in the group stage, despite previously vowing to steer clear of commenting on his home nation and vowing to never manage them.

Given Marsch was passed over for the USA job himself back in 2023, when Gregg Berhalter was reappointed ahead of him, it’s hard not to wonder if there’s a touch of sour grapes behind the comments.

Clint Dempsey Hits Back at Marsch’s National Anthem Claim

Marsch’s comments on the eve of the tournament, revealing he and former USMNT manager Bob Bradley once had to plead with players to sing the national anthem, also continue to draw reaction.

Clint Dempsey wasn’t impressed with Marsch’s words, saying:

Despite the ongoing back-and-forth, Marsch insists he remains “proud to be American,” even if his outspoken style and current role continue to split opinion on both sides of the border.