FC 26 Best Formations and Custom Tactics (with Code)

FC 26 Best Formations and Custom Tactics (with Code)

author avatar
Savannah Reed
2025/10/07

The best EA FC 26 formations and custom tactics can make all the difference during a game. Want to be dominating the virtual pitch like Pep Guardiola or Jürgen Klopp? Then we recommend picking up one of our recommended EA FC 26 formations and custom tactics through a code, which are considered the best in the game.

Different formations suit different styles—fast attackers, possession, counter, defensive solidity—so pick one that matches your squad & playstyle. Today, LDShop will provide you with a detailed list of best formations and custom tactics for FC 26 Ultimate Team.

Let’s start by explaining the tactic codes available within the game.

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In-Game Tactics Codes Explained

  • What they are: Tactic codes are short character strings that let you import full tactical setups in FC 26, covering everything from formations and build-up play to defensive strategies and player instructions. 
  • Where to find them: If professional players like world champions RBLZ_Umut or RBLZ_Vejrgang share their codes, you can copy them directly into your own game. You can also create yours when you set up a custom tactic, you can use the Export/Share option in the tactic’s menu. Some content creators also maintain updated lists with codes for meta formations.
  • How they are used: You import these codes into the game to quickly apply a recommended set of tactics from a community member or manager. To do so, open Ultimate Team, press Club/Team, press L3 (left stick), navigate to Team Management, move right and then enter the code through the import option.

 

Top Meta Formations & Tactics

Formation 4-2-3-1 Wide

Code: 8ZUmCsUEGA4e

Formation 4-2-3-1 Wide

Best for/Strengths

  • The most balanced
  • Good midfield control and safe defence
  • Strong attacks via CAM and two central midfielders

Suggested Tactics & Settings

  • Build-Up Style: balanced
  • Defensive Approach: balanced or High
  • Line Height: ~50-60
  • Width: about 45-55 depending on your wide attackers
  • Players in Box: ~5-6 to have enough support in attack
  • Goalkeeper: balanced, defend
  • Left and Right Back: full back, balanced
  • Centerbacks: defender and defend
  • Center Attack Mid: playmaker, balanced
  • Left Mid: insider forward, balanced
  • Right Mid: inside forward, balanced
  • Strikers: advanced forward, attack

Player Instructions/Roles

  • CDMs: one “holding”/defensive, one more box-crasher or balanced to help push.
  • Wide Mids (LM/RM): inside forward, balanced or attack so they cut inside.
  • CAM: playmaker/free roam, to link play if possible.
  • ST: advanced forward, stay central/get in behind.
  • Fullbacks: maybe more conservative unless you have very fit, fast ones.

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Formation 4-4-2 Flat

Code: L5$VUvLTVJJN

Formation 4-4-2 Flat

Best for/Strengths

  • Currently the meta formation
  • Good for high pressure
  • Two strikers giving constant threat
  • Also, good transitions/counters

Suggested Tactics & Settings

  • Defensive Approach: high
  • Line Height: 70
  • Goalkeeper: ball playing, build-up
  • Left and Right Back: full back, balanced
  • Centerbacks: defender and defend
  • Center Mid Left: holding, box-to-box, balanced
  • Center Mid Right: holding, defend
  • Right Mid: inside forward, balanced
  • Left Mid: inside forward, balanced
  • Strikers: advanced forward, attack
  • Build-Up Style: balanced or counter when opportunity arises.
  • Width: moderately wide so wingers have room to work.
  • Players in Box: about 5
  • Corners/Free kicks maybe 1–2 bars so you’re not too exposed.

Player Instructions/Roles

  • One striker stay forward/get in behind, the other perhaps more creative/dropping deep (“support”) to link.
  • Wingers: balanced or inside forwards depending on whether you want width or cutting in.
  • Midfielders: at least one Box-to-Box to help both ways; the other more balanced or defensive.
  • Fullbacks: balanced or support duty; if you push them, make sure you have cover.

 

Formation 4-2-1-3

Code: BZdBinRRLHdR

Formation 4-4-2 Flat

Best for/Strengths

  • High risk-high reward
  • Strong attacking presence, useful if you want to overwhelm opponents but leaves gaps if pressed the wrong button.
  • Remain powerful, especially for counterattack

Suggested Tactics & Settings

  • Build Up: fast or balanced (fast helps if you want to break quickly)
  • Defensive Approach: fullback balanced
  • Goalkeeper: defending, keeper
  • Right back: falseback, balanced
  • Left back: falseback, balanced
  • Defensive midfielder: centre half, defend
  • Central Attacking Mid: playmaker, balanced
  • Right Winger: inside forward, balanced
  • Left Winger: inside forward, balanced
  • Striker: advanced forward, attack
  • Width: ~45-50 to not leave too much space
  • Depth: ~50
  • Offensive width a little high so wingers can stretch, players in box ~5-6.

Player Instructions/Roles

  • CAM: on shadow striker, free roam/stay forward, to make the link between midfield and attack.
  • Wingers: inside forwards/attack to cut inside or threaten.
  • CDMs: one strict “stay back” to cover, the other more dynamic (join attack).
  • ST: one always trying to get behind, maybe one target man or advanced forward.
  • Strike: advanced forward and attack

 

Formation 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow/Diamond

Code: pwCtqtBxznF5

Formation 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow/Diamond

Best for/strengths

  • Best for possession, short passing, dominating midfield
  • Good if you’re confident in tight spaces.
  • A narrower formation with a CAM which is getting a lot of energy at the start of the game.

Suggested Tactics & Settings

  • Defensive Approach: balanced
  • Goalkeeper: defending, keeper
  • Left and Right Back: fullback, balanced
  • Centre Backs: defender and defend
  • Central Defensive Mid: holding, roaming
  • Central Mid: Box-to-box, balanced
  • Center Attacking Mid: half winger, balanced
  • Striker: false 9, build up
  • Striker: advanced forward, attack
  • Line Height: ~50
  • Width: narrow (35-45) in attack to focus through middle
  • Offensive Style: possession or balanced
  • Players in Box ~5-6
  • Corners/Free Kicks modest

Player Instructions/Roles

  • STs: both stay central, one gets in behind, one drop slightly to create space.
  • CAM: plays between the lines/roam
  • Midfield: one holding or defensive to cover; the others more mobile.
  • Fullbacks often need to provide width so they may need to push up, track back.

 

Formation 4-5-1 (2)

Code: ?#XIVGMG#7%

Formation 4-5-1 (2)

Best for/strengths

  • One of new favourites
  • Professional players use it
  • Plays very much like 4-3-2-1
  • Very strong in both attack and defence
  • With minimal downsides

Suggested Tactics & Settings

  • Build-up Style: balanced
  • Defensive Approach: balanced
  • Goalkeeper: goalkeeper, defend
  • Left Back: wingback, balanced
  • Right Back: fullback, balanced
  • Centerbacks: defender and defend
  • Center Mid: deep-lying, defend
  • Center Mid Right: Box-to-Box, balanced
  • Center Mid Left: Box-to-Box, balanced
  • Left Mid: inside forward, balanced
  • Right Mid: inside forward, balanced
  • Strikers: advanced forward, attack

Player Instructions/Roles

  • ST: stay central, get in behind, stay forward
  • CAMs: stay forward, free roam (to act like second strikers)
  • LM/RM: come back on defence, get into box for cross
  • CM (pivot): stay back while attacking, cover centre
  • LB/RB: stay back while attacking (or balanced if fast/full of stamina)
  • CBs & GK: default

 

Formation 4-3-2-1

Code: E#d4vJsK%io

Formation 4-3-2-1

Best for/strengths

  • Best for esports athletes and those aspiring to enter the professional esports scene
  • For anyone playing competitive FIFA or those looking for a solid foundation
  • Works best with pacey forwards

Suggested Tactics & Settings

  • Build-up Style: counter
  • Defensive Approach: high (line height: 70)
  • Goalkeeper: balanced
  • Play Style: sweeper keeper
  • Left Back: fullback, defend
  • Centerbacks: defender and defend
  • Center Mid Left: playmaker, attack
  • Center Mid: holding, defend
  • Center Mid Right: Box-To-Box, balanced
  • Left Mid: inside forward, attack
  • Right Mid: inside forward, balanced
  • Striker: advanced forward, attack risk

Player Instructions/Roles

  • ST: stay central, get in behind, stay forward
  • LF/RF (inside forwards): get in behind, cut inside, stay forward
  • CM 1 (CDM-type): stay back while attacking, cover centre
  • CM 2 (Box-to-Box): balanced attack, cover centre
  • CM 3 (Attacking): get forward, cover centre
  • LB / RB: balanced (if pacey) or stay back while attacking (if slow)
  • Bs & GK: default

 

Formation 5-3-2

Code: 9&WxTXVDHbh

Formation 5-3-2

Best for/strengths

  • Very defensively solid
  • Allow you to soak up pressure and counter
  • Effective vs very aggressive opponents

Suggested Tactics & Settings

  • Defensive Approach: balanced or even low
  • Width: ~45
  • Depth: 40-45 so less exposed behind the defence
  • Offensive Style: balanced or slow build up
  • Players in Box: 4-5
  • Corners/Free Kicks: low risk

Player Instructions/Roles

  • Wingbacks are key: they must have stamina, pace so they can contribute both ways.
  • Strikers: one for holdup/aerial threat + one fast ahead or get in behind.
  • Midfielders: central players need be solid, balanced or defensive; limited attacking supply so choose wisely.
  • CBs: if possible, ball-playing ones to help build from back.

 

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Conclusion

In EA FC 26 Ultimate Team, no formation guarantees wins—it’s all about matching your playstyle. The 4-4-2 is the go-to for balance, the 4-5-1(2) gives you midfield control, the 4-3-2-1 delivers fast, narrow attacks, and the 4-2-1-3 punishes on the counter but demands disciplined defending.

Ultimately, the best approach is to master one primary formation while staying flexible—switching setups mid-match can be the difference between holding onto a lead or breaking down a tough defence. Whether you prefer structure, width, midfield control, or raw counterattacking pace, buying FC 26 Coins at LDShop will give you the essential tools to make your Ultimate Team play exactly the way you want.

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Savannah Reed

Savannah Reed Experienced Game Editor

Savannah Reed is a senior game editor at LDShop.gg, specializing in in-depth coverage of RPG and strategy games. With a strong focus on titles like Wuthering Waves, Honkai: Star Rail and Whiteout Survival, she combines industry insight with firsthand player experience to deliver clear, informative, and actionable content. Her work is dedicated to helping gamers make smarter decisions—whether it’s understanding new updates or optimizing their in-game strategy.