Why are World Cup teams making so many errors?

Erling Haaland pressures Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan during Norway's 4-1 win at World Cup 2026 [Getty Images] The opening goal of World Cup 2026 may have set the tone for a tournament increasingly characterised by costly errors. South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was dispossessed on the edge of his own penalty area against Mexico after receiving a short pass from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, gifting the tournament co-hosts an early breakthrough. Since then, similar moments have become a recurring theme. After the opening round of 24 fixtures, there have been 52 errors leading to shots (including goals), already surpassing the 42 recorded across the entirety of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which spanned 64 matches. The 2026 World Cup has already surpassed the total number of errors leading to shots recorded at Qatar 2022 [BBC Sport] Several of those mistakes have come from players attempting to play their way out of their own half. Tunisia's Ellyes Skhiri lost possession in a dangerous area against Sweden, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to score. The North Africans committed six errors leading to shots in total, four of which resulted directly in goals, as Graham Potter's side ran out 5-1 winners. Meanwhile, Curacao captain Leandro Bacuna was tackled from behind in the build-up to Germany's seventh goa Risk v reward One explanation may be that teams are increasingly reluctant to abandon modern football's obsession with building from the back, regardless of the opposition. Only four of the 48 teams attempted fewer than 50 short passes inside their own half during their opening match, with sides such as Paraguay and New Zealand posting surprisingly high totals. Even many of the tournament's underdogs are trying to progress possession through combinations rather than relying on long clearances. The approach is not without its benefits. Cape Verde frustrated Spain in a goalless draw by repeatedly circulating possession across their backline and resisting pressure from the European champions. When executed well, patient build-up can provide relief and prevent opponents from sustaining attacks. The problem is that the margin for error appears smaller than ever. Modern international football is packed with forwards capable of turning a turnover into a goal within seconds. Players such as Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Erling Haaland thrive when opponents lose possession in advanced areas, meaning a single misplaced pass can have immediate consequences. More than one explanation The conditions could be a factor too. Unlike Qatar 2022, which took place in the middle of the European club season, players have arrived in North America at the end of long domestic campaigns. Several matches have been played in temperatures approaching or exceeding 30C, while the geographical scale of the tournament has increased travel demands. Fatigue is difficult to quantify, but it can affect concentration and decision-making, particularly when teams are attempting to play through an opposition press in dangerous areas. The expanded 48-team format may have played a role as well. With only 16 of the 48 teams eliminated after the group stage, an opening draw carries less jeopardy than in previous tournaments. Three draws may even be enough to progress in some groups, reducing the urgency to chase victories at all costs and potentially contributing to a more cautious approach. There have also been suggestions that the official match ball could be influencing some of the mistakes. Speaking to BBC Sport, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart said he had noticed shots appearing to reach goalkeepers quicker than expected, arguing that the ball can seem to be "on him before he's got his hands up there in the right position". Hart pointed to several goals during the opening week when goalkeepers appeared slow to react, including strikes conceded by Edouard Mendy and Algeria's Luca Zidane. Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor game World Cup fixtures and group standings How to watch the World Cup on the BBC Everything you need to know about the World Cup