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How do you stop Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane?

BBC Sport·June 22, 2026
How do you stop Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane?

Coaches and defenders are facing a daunting task in trying to contain the attacking prowess of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane at the World Cup. To stop these prolific goal-scorers, teams may need to employ specialized defensive strategies, such as double-marking or using a low defensive block. Defenders will also need to be highly disciplined and organized to limit the space and opportunities available to these talented forwards. Effective game planning and execution will be crucial in neutralizing the threats posed by these elite players.

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