Heading is a staple in soccer, but the impressive (albeit painful) technique is slowly becoming less of an iconic moment from the sport’s greatest players. After analyzing the statistics, researchers at NetSI Sport at Northeastern University say the number of assisted headed goals in FIFA World Cup matches has decreased from 23.7 percent in 2018 to just 17.9 percent through the 2026 round of 16. That said, the tactic is still paying off this year. More than 11 percent of headers resulted in successful team possession conversions, while their overall accuracy hovers around 33.5 percent.

That doesn’t mean teams aren’t opposed to using this technique. Actually, not much less. Northeastern researchers reported just two header assists during all of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, down from 10 this year so far, with five games left in the competition. Experts said the last season of international club soccer may explain the sharp increase, as teams used more pre-planned strategies during setups, such as throw-ins and corner kicks.

It is also clear at what point in each match headed goals become more likely. About 57 percent came toward the end of each half. The most likely reason? Greater anxieties.

“Teams attempted to obtain higher quality scoring opportunities toward the end of the halves by moving players higher up the field toward the net, seeking to gain momentum with a goal before halftime or attempting to tie or take the lead in the final minutes of the game,” the Northeastern researchers explained.

Logically, it stands to reason that fans will see at least a few more headers as the World Cup draws to a close. Whether they will make or break a championship team remains to be seen.

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