Background Field test performance is a key indicator of soccer match performance, offering insights into aerobic and anaerobic capacities. This study investigated the relationship between field test performance and match performance in young soccer players. Methods Thirty-eight elite male soccer players (mean ± SD: age 17.1 ± 1.01 years; height 177.17 ± 5.38 cm; body mass 71.18 ± 5.60 kg) participated in the study. Aerobic endurance was evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 test (YIRT1), the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT), and the Circular Field Test (FTcir). Anaerobic capacity was assessed through the Repeated Sprint Test and the 40 m Maximal Running Speed Test (MRS40). Match performance was determined using GPS data, with metrics including total distance covered and distances in different speed zones: walking (0-6.9 km.h-1), low-intensity running (7-12.9 km.h-1), moderate-intensity running (13-17.9 km.h-1), very high-intensity running (18-20.9 km.h-1), sprinting (= 21 km.h-1), and high-intensity actions (= 13 km.h-1). Results Significant positive correlations were observed between YIRT1 results and total match distance (r = .524-.546, p < 0.01), as well as high-intensity actions (r = .490-.518, p < 0.01). The 30-15IFT showed moderately positive correlations with total distance (r = .401, p < 0.05) and high-intensity actions (r = .455, p < 0.01). Anaerobic Threshold Running Speed (AnERS) demonstrated a weak to moderate relationship with low-intensity running (r = -.397 to .312, p < 0.05). Conclusions In conclusion, among the tests examined, YIRT1 emerged as the most consistent predictor of match-related running performance. While the 30-15IFT showed a moderate correlation, the relationship with anaerobic tests was limited. These findings highlight the usefulness of YIRT1 in assessing match performance but also reveal that no single test fully reflects the complexity of match performance.
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