Getting a grip of the best formations and custom tactics in EA FC 26 may lead to an overall better team performance and control on the field. Similar to previous titles, FC 26 keeps the team-managing experience alive, allowing you to edit formations and tactics.
However, every player has a unique playstyle, so some formations and tactics may suit some players more than others. These settings let you either build your match around key players or strengthen weaker gaps in the team.
These formations and custom tactics listed below are sure to aid anyone building their Ultimate Team. No matter if you’re just a beginner or an amateur finally stepping into the pro scene, there’s something to gain from these strategies for everyone.
4-2-3-1
- Tactical Preset: Custom
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Build-Up Style: Balanced
- Defensive Approach: Balanced
- Line Height: ~50
- Width: ~45-50
- Chance Creation: Balanced
- Players in Box: ~5
- Corners / Free Kicks: 1-2
Player Roles
- GK: Sweeper Keeper, Balanced
- LB: Fullback, Defend
- RB: Fullback, Defend
- CBs: Defender, Defend
- CDM #1: Deep-Lying Playmaker, Build-Up
- CDM #2: Holding Midfielder, Defend
- CAM: Shadow Striker / Playmaker, Attack
- LM / RM: Inside Forward, Balanced
- ST: Advanced Forward, Attack
The 4-2-3-1 is a solid setup that doesn’t disappoint most players. The stand-out feature is the double pivot in the midfield. One CDM chills in the back, sweeping up all the chaos towards the backline, and the other focuses on advancing the game, possessing and progressing the ball.
Plus, this balance allows for capturing those game-changing moments by transitioning between offense and defense easily.
Moreover, those wide midfielders actually drift inwards, allowing for passing triangles, creating swarms around the box, supporting CAM. Add on the lone striker parked in the middle with a clear front, always ready for a pass.
In summary, this one isn’t going to blow anyone’s mind, but if you’re looking for a solid formation that actually makes things work on both ends? This is it, reliable as ever.
4-4-2
- Tactical Preset: Custom
- Formation: 4-4-2 (Flat)
- Build-Up Style: Balanced or Counter
- Defensive Approach: Press After Possession Loss
- Line Height: ~50
- Width: ~50
- Chance Creation: Direct Passing / Balanced
- Players in Box: ~5
- Corners / Free Kicks: 1-2
Player Roles
- GK: Keeper, Balanced
- LB / RB: Fullbacks, Defend
- CBs: Defenders, Defend
- LM / RM: Wide Midfielder / Inside Forward, Balanced
- CM #1: Box-To-Box Midfielder, Balanced
- CM #2: Holding Midfielder, Defend
- ST #1: Target Man, Balanced
- ST #2: Advanced Forward, Attack
The 4-4-2 formation is a classic, still shining bright today in EA FC 26. It presents you with those two solid lines of four, giving structures. Meanwhile, the two strikers upfront form constant pressure, giving defenders headaches. Press high, counter-attack fast, and boom, you’ve got your players swarming the box.
Plus, it’s also naturally adaptable; sometimes your wide wingers turn into extra midfielders, or sometimes hug the touchline, pushing wide to stretch the game. However, run into someone rocking a 4-3-3 or diamond formations, and your midfielders may be heavily outnumbered in the middle.
So, if you like an intense, high-tempo setup that serves extremely well on the pitch? This one’s got you covered. If you decide to run this formation, then it’s crucial to plan accordingly, as high-tempo pressing requires higher-stamina players or regular substitutions
4-2-1-3
- Tactical Preset: Custom
- Formation: 4-2-1-3
- Build-Up Style: Fast Build-Up or Balanced
- Defensive Approach: Balanced
- Line Height: ~50
- Width: ~45-50
- Chance Creation: Forward Runs / Balanced
- Players in Box: ~6
- Corners / Free Kicks: 1-2
Player Roles
- GK: Keeper, Balanced
- LB / RB: Fullbacks, Defend
- CBs: Defenders, Defend
- CDM #1: Deep-Lying Playmaker, Build-Up
- CDM #2: Box-To-Box Midfielder, Balanced
- CAM: Playmaker / Free Roam, Attack
- LW / RW: Inside Forward, Attack
- ST: Advanced Forward, Attack
The 4-2-1-3 high-risk, high-reward formation setup just screams all-out attack; a feast for merciless, aggressive players. The front three pressure the furthest line, yanking defenders all over the place. This sets up your CAM, searching for gaps and popping up wherever it hurts the most. Nightmare for rivals that like to play a little too defensively, because those winger-to-striker-to-CAM combos allow for constant passing options.
The CDM duo doesn’t hold back either, with one holding back and staying disciplined, while the other charges forward to pile up in the central field. However, your midfield can be left deserted if your wingers and CAM forget to trace back (which, let’s be real, happens all the time).
Do I love it? Absolutely, when I’m in the mood to bulldoze my opponents and hog the ball. But don’t forget, lose focus and you’re probably ending up with more holes in your defense than a slice of Swiss cheese.
4-1-2-1-2
- Tactical Preset: Custom
- Formation: 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow)
- Build-Up Style: Possession or Balanced
- Defensive Approach: Balanced
- Line Height: ~50
- Width: ~35-45
- Chance Creation: Possession / Balanced
- Players in Box: ~6
- Corners / Free Kicks: 1-2
Player Roles
- GK: Keeper, Balanced
- LB / RB: Fullbacks, Defend
- CBs: Defenders, Defend
- CDM: Holding Midfielder, Defend
- LCM / RCM: Box-To-Box Midfielders, Balanced
- CAM: Playmaker, Attack
- STs: Advanced Forward / Poacher, Attack
The 4-1-2 1-2 diamond formation simply owns the center field. Four midfielders stacked? You’re never running short on passing lines, making it perfect for ball-possession-based gameplay. Up top, you’ve got two strikers, one darting behind and the other dropping in, thinning out defenses.
Don’t get too comfy, because no natural width means your fullbacks gotta run marathons, so stamina and defensive awareness are critical. However, if your fullbacks push up like lunatics, your flanks turn into the wild west, wide open and begging for a flank.
So yeah, if you like playing through those tight gaps in cramped spaces, this formation absolutely shreds. Just stay attentive, don’t let your fullbacks go AWOL, and this setup may prove to be an effective stepping stone in your EA FC 26 career.
5-3-2
- Tactical Preset: Custom
- Formation: 5-3-2
- Build-Up Style: Counter or Balanced
- Defensive Approach: Drop Back or Balanced
- Line Height: ~40-45
- Width: ~45
- Chance Creation: Forward Runs / Balanced
- Players in Box: ~4-5
- Corners / Free Kicks: 1
Player Roles
- GK: Keeper, Balanced
- Wing-Backs: Balanced / Join Attack selectively
- CBs: Defenders, Defend
- CM#1: Holding Midfielder, Defend
- CM#2: Playmaker, Balanced
- CM#3: Box-To-Box Midfielder, Balanced
- ST#1: Advanced Forward, Attack
- ST#2: Poacher / Get In Behind, Attack
The 5-3-2 formation is like the football version of a solid brick wall. You stick three CBs, two wing-backs, and suddenly, your penalty area starts feeling like Fort Knox. The midfield’s got this balanced triangle, one holds back, one tries to ping passes, and one covers ground upfront.
Up top, you’ve got two strikers waiting to pounce at any chance they get at the ball. Pretty much a tailor-made formation against teams that would normally steamroll you. Even better for when you’re desperately protecting a one-goal lead, biting your fingernails off.
It’s got that “Call me when in trouble” vibe, and honestly? It serves best as a backup plan, perfect for soaking up pressure and taking on stronger teams. However, don’t go expecting any fireworks, because there is not much attacking creativity, leading to predictable movement.
