Top 5 formations used at the World Cup

4-3-3

Brazil v Argentina - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier

Typically a formation used by teams looking get rapidly onto the attack, the 4-3-3 system has most notably been used by Brazil over the course of Russia 2018 thus far.

The Selecao play the system with three outright forwards – Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Willian – and are supported by a midfield that has a dynamic feel to it. While some sides may use three negative players in this area, Brazil are expansive in the manner they play, with Philippe Coutinho having slotted into a role here perfectly.

However, with Neymar notably reticent to track back at times, they are not completely gung-ho in their approach and have deployed a couple of more negative players alongside such attacking talents. Casemiro is the most destructive player in this sector, with Paulinho adding energy.

So far, it has worked smoothly for them, though that is little surprise as it is an identity that head coach Tite has worked hard to impose on his team throughout qualifying. They hope it is the one that can lead them to more world glory.

Brazil are the side very much leading the way with this formation, although it may be that others eventually follow suit. France, for example, are one side that could use this formation, with head coach Didier Deschamps still tinkering with his side, having used a 4-3-1-2 in their opening match of the tournament, with Antoine Griezmann operating as a No.10 – a slight variant on Brazil’s system, with the way they played it rather narrower.

In both, width comes from the full-backs, as the formation is most effective when they are attacking.