As the FIFA Womens World Cup entered the round of 16 stage, France hosted Brazil with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Brazil snuck through the group stages having won two and lost one, while France were looking to maintain their perfect record at the competition so far, with three wins from three heading into the knockout phases. France did, of course, maintain their perfect record, with a hard-fought win over a heartbroken Brazil side. In this tactical analysis, Ill look at how both sides more or less cancelled each other out, and how this game contributed further to the growing trend in this years FIFA Womens World Cup.
Lineups
Both sides matched up against each other with a 4-4-2 formation, with an emphasis on wing play being seen again in this game. This mirroring of formations meant that shape of the two teams was very similar, and so the game became less tactical and more technical, in that there were lots of 1v1 duels, and the team which won the most vital ones came out on top.
The game was not benefitted by the number of fouls, stoppages, and injuries as I will move onto later, as neither side was really able to find their rhythm. This suited Brazil, who were happy to allow France to have the front foot, looking to counter on the break with their usual strategy of passes down the wings.
![Inter Milan Vs Pisa [6–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: Pisa Initial High Press & Federico Dimarco Attacking Impact – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Inter-Milan-Vs-Pisa-202526-350x250.png "Inter Milan Vs Pisa [6–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: Federico Dimarco Inspires Goal-Filled Comeback – Tactical Analysis 7")
![Juventus Vs Benfica [2–0] UEFA Champions League 202526](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Juventus-Vs-Benfica-2–0-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-1-350x250.png "Juventus Vs Benfica [2–0] – Champions League 2025/2026: Luciano Spalletti Second-Half Tweaks Secure A Crucial European Win – Tactical Analysis 8")
