EA FC 26 Patch 1.2.0 Underrated Formations & Tactics | 4-2-3-1 And 4-4-1-1 Builds
Posted: Nov 12, 2025 Views: 58
EA FC 26's latest update patch 1.2.0 brings some changes to the game again, but it's clearly not as disruptive as patch 1.1.0. As other players have said, it's more of a placebo patch.
While this patch adjusts player AI, the current meta formations remain largely unchanged. Still, you can try some alternative setups that, despite not being mainstream, have unique strengths.

4-2-3-1 (Wide)
4-2-3-1 formation's backline consists of a goalkeeper, a left-back, two center-backs, and a right-back. In this formation, the defenders often employ man-marking tactics, with center-backs marking the strikers and fullbacks closely monitoring the wingers. Two defensive midfielders provide a defensive barrier in front of the back four.
- Build-Up Style: Short Passing (it allows players to move closer together during attacks, creating more passing options.)
- Defensive Approach: Extreme
Player Roles
- GK (Defend): Goalkeeper+
- LB (Support): Attacking Wingback++
- RB (Support): Attacking Wingback++
- LCB (Aggressive): Ball-Playing Defender
- RCB (Aggressive): Ball-Playing Defender
- LM (Roaming): Wide Playmaker++
- RM (Balanced): Inside Forward++
- LCDM (Roaming): Box Crasher++
- RCMD (Roaming): Deep-Lying Playmaker++
- CAM (Balanced): Wide Playmaker++
- ST (Attack): Advanced Forward++
You need to be especially careful with the movement of players in LM position, as their inside runs are crucial to your short passing tactics. Furthermore, the soul of this tactic is Attacking Wingback++ and Box Crasher++, which are essential for providing attacking width and late runs into the box.
If you want to control possession throughout the game, your midfielders should ideally possess Tiki Taka+ Playstyle. Forwards should ideally possess Incisive Pass+.
Player Requirements
87 OVR Claudia Pina
Claudia Pina stands out not only for her Finesse Shot and Low Driven+, but more importantly for her highly effective Tiki Taka and Incisive Pass playstyles. This makes her irreplaceable in possession-based play, and she's extremely threatening even without high race.
Tiki Taka is essential for smooth passing and movement. Without it, players take too long to control the ball and adjust, missing attacking opportunities. Of course, if you don't have 87 OVR Claudia Pina, 86 OVR Claudia Pina is also an option; she currently takes around 6000 FC 26 coins.
88 OVR Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets also has Tiki Taka+ and Long Ball Pass. Although he only has 3-star skills and 3 weak foot, he absolutely meets the needs of this formation.
4-4-1-1 (Midfield)
4-4-1-1 formation is a common football formation, similar in personnel to the formation above. It features four defenders, four midfielders, one attacking midfielder, and one striker. The striker is the primary scorer, while the attacking midfielder organizes attacks and supports the striker. This formation strikes a balance between the traditional 4-4-2 and a more attacking formation, balancing defensive and offensive capabilities.
In the latest patch 1.2.0, 4-4-1-1 formation has received a significant buff, becoming a very solid and effective formation suitable for Weekly Leagues, Division Rivals, and even Pro Ladder.
- Build-Up Style: Balanced
- Defensive Approach: High
Player Roles
- GK (Balanced): Sweeping Keeper+
- LB (Defend): Defender++
- RB (Defend): Defender++
- LCB (Defend): Defender++
- RCB (Defend): Defender++
- LM (Balanced): Inside Forward++
- RM (Balanced): Inside Forward++
- LCM (Balanced): Box-to-Box+
- RCM (Build-up): Deep-Lying Playmaker++
- CAM (Attack): Shadow Striker++
- ST (Attack): Advanced Forward++
If you feel your attacking organization is not going smoothly, you can change CAM from Shadow Striker to Playmaker, allowing for more deep drops and support, which will help advance the ball.
Player Requirements
Fullbacks need to be fast and have good ball control. Nuno Mendes or Marcos Llorente are good options. Center-backs also need speed and a good defensive playstyle.
Wingers need to be fast to execute through balls and create space behind the defense.
The three central midfielders are key to the formation. The attacking midfielder and two central midfielders should ideally have Tiki Taka+ and Incisive Pass+ playstyles. This ensures accurate one-touch passing and the ability to deliver lethal through balls.
Forwards should also have Tiki Taka+ or Incisive Pass+, crucial for linking up attacks. You can also use Claudia Pina. As for the goalkeeper, you can assign him based on the players you have.
How To Attack?
During the attacking build-up phase, the primary goal is to find your CAM. Use him to pass the ball to CAM to break the opponent's midfield lines.
Press L1/LB to direct teammates to run in behind, which stretches the opponent's defensive line and creates time and space for the ball carrier.
While pressing L1/LB, gently push the right stick towards the specific route you want your teammate to run. This is an advanced technique that manually creates passing opportunities.
When forward passing lanes are blocked, pass the ball back to a midfielder or defender. Use this pass to push the entire formation forward, while giving yourself more time to observe and make decisions. Finally, utilize the speed of your wingers to create scoring opportunities by playing through balls behind the opponent's flanks.
How To Defend?
Your four defenders form a strong defensive line. You only need to keep the formation compact and cover the middle. It's better to let the opponent run down the flanks than to allow them to easily break through the middle.
You can also manually pull your attacking midfielder back, effectively turning the formation into a 4-5-1, creating a numerical advantage in the middle. Executing an offside trap by pressing the up arrow twice will push the entire defensive line forward, further compressing the opponent's attacking space.
While these formations are not mainstream, they both offer considerable strength. Moreover, once you've mastered it, it can actually make your attacks more difficult for your opponents to handle when they're unfamiliar with your formation.
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