FIFA took a closer look at Roberto Alvarado. As part of the governing body’s extensive tactical analysis of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Guadalajara attacking midfielder appears as one of the examples of how wingers were used to create width, open up space and find different ways to progress in attack. The study was based on an analysis of all 104 matches of the tournament and combines tactical information, data and video analysis.
The document pays particular attention to the way Mexico used its wide players. In that context, Alvarado had a clearly defined role on the right flank: staying high and wide to stretch the opposition’s defensive structure, create space for his teammates and position himself to receive the ball in one-on-one situations.
According to FIFA’s analysis, 76.2% of Alvarado’s receptions came in the right outside channel, highlighting the width he maintained during his appearances for El Tri. That positioning allowed other players to occupy central areas while, in certain situations, also giving ‘Piojo’ the opportunity to attack his marker directly.
A specialist at putting the ball into the box
One of Mexico’s main attacking weapons during the World Cup was crossing into the box, and Alvarado played a prominent role in that area as well. FIFA’s analysis states that the Rojiblanco attacker ranked fifth in the tournament for completed crosses per 60 minutes of effective playing time, with 2.6, while also being the Mexican player who attempted the most crosses according to that metric. His impact was such that he finished the competition with 3 assists, making him Mexico’s all-time leading assist provider at the FIFA World Cup.
However, his influence was not limited to delivering the ball from the flank. Although his primary role was to stay wide, Alvarado also showed an ability to appear in central areas. FIFA recorded that he received the ball in the right inside channel in 24% of his interventions, well above the 15.6% average among the right wingers analyzed.
In addition, he completed 1.2 central-line breaks per 60 minutes, a figure that was 0.49 higher than the average for wide players, according to the study.
There was also another moment that showcased his ability to read the game. In Mexico’s Round of 16 victory over Ecuador, Alvarado moved across the entire width of the pitch and found Julián Quiñones with a pass from practically the halfway line, which eventually led to the opening goal. FIFA specifically highlighted that sequence in its review of the match.
A different role from the one he usually plays with Chivas
The analysis also highlights an interesting aspect of ‘Piojo’s’ game. The version of Alvarado that Mexico showed during the World Cup was much more closely associated with width and play on the outside, whereas with Chivas, we have more frequently seen Roberto operate in central areas, move closer to the midfielders and have a more direct influence on build-up and combination play.
They are different roles for a footballer who has demonstrated his ability to adapt to different needs.
With El Tri, his position high and wide on the right helped stretch the opposition, create space centrally and generate one-on-one situations and crossing opportunities. With Chivas, on the other hand, his ability to receive between the lines, combine with teammates and appear in central areas has allowed the team to make the most of other aspects of his game.
In this way, FIFA’s report not only puts numbers to Alvarado’s performance at the World Cup; it also reveals another side of the Rojiblanco footballer, one that demonstrates that his influence can come from both the flank and the inside channels.
If you would like to review FIFA’s analysis of the best of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit the following link.
