EA FC 26 Wing Wizards Evolution Guide | Improving Your Wingers Rating, Stats And PlayStyles

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• EA FC 26 Patch 1.2.0 Underrated Formations & Tactics | 4-2-3-1 And 4-4-1-1 Builds

  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.

• EA FC 26 Patch 1.2.0 Breakdown | AI Tweaks, Shooting Nerfs, And Market Impact Explained

  EA FC 26 Patch 1.2.0 has been released, and this patch once again adjusts the player AI. Players may still remember the disruption the last patch caused to gameplay and the transfer market.

  This patch focuses primarily on improving offensive and defensive AI, as well as some quality-of-life optimizations. There are no revolutionary changes to the core gameplay. Let's take a look at the key changes.

  

  Patch 1.2.0 Highlights

  Patch 1.2.0 is the second major update after 1.1.0, and it is expected to be released between Tuesday and Wednesday, no later than Thursday.

  Acrobatic Shots Nerfed

  Acrobatic shots allow you to use flashy techniques to break through defenders and create space for shots or passes. In the current game, these shots are too effective and almost impossible to defend, so this is an effective nerf.

  AI Teammates' Running Frequency

  Patch 1.2.0 slightly increases the frequency of AI teammates' offensive runs into the penalty area. While this change is small, it's still an enhancement for the offensive AI. Ideally, AI players should learn to move according to the space on the field, rather than simply sticking to their assigned roles.

  AI Defender Marking Tightness

  AI defenders will slightly reduce their marking tightness against passers at the edge of the penalty area. This is a nerf to AI defense and may make the already popular cutback meta tactic more effective.

  Through Passing And Crossing

  The patch also improves through passing and crossing to better respect player aiming input. This may reduce passes that are misaimed but overpowered by the game system.

  Goalkeeper Saves

  The logic for goalkeepers when saving first-time far-post shots has been improved. This is undoubtedly a successful change, as this is a way for players to exploit game mechanics, especially in corner kicks.

  Other Bug Fixes

  There are also some bug fixes for player switching. The patch fixes for issues like switching, animation errors, and referee logic are all standard fixes that cycle through gameplay improvements and deteriorations.

  Current Major Issues

  While the main fixes in this patch have a positive impact on the game, they don't address key player concerns such as server instability, lag and errors in Transfer Market and Packs interfaces. Ultimate Team mode, in particular, has more areas for improvement.

  Unbalanced Offensive And Defensive AI

  The current defensive AI is overly powerful and aggressive, especially in attack. Opposing AI-controlled players mark the ball carrier from midfield onwards, lacking a proper counter-strategy.

  The offensive AI doesn't utilize space effectively. Even with large gaps in midfield, players like Wide Playmaker won't actively cut inside to exploit them.

  Due to the different player AIs, most players currently only use a few formations, such as 4-4-1-1, 4-2-3-1, and 4-4-2 formations, among others, have overly linear player roles and instructions, limiting attacking movement variations.

  Operational Errors

  Player feedback regarding inaccurate through-pass and crossing signals, and the occasional uninstructed sliding tackles, remains unresolved.

  Furthermore, the lack of foul calls for players being physically challenged from behind is unfair. Other issues include incorrect player indicators, unresponsive player switching, goalkeeper logic problems, and weak corner kick defense.

  Impact On The Transfer Market

  The adjustments in this patch are very minor and unlikely to cause significant fluctuations in the transfer market. EA FC 26 market has seen the same 79+ x2 upgrade packs for four consecutive weeks, disappointing players. However, there are still some cards worth considering if you're looking to invest.

  UEFA Primetime Cards

  These UEFA Primetime cards saw a slight drop in value on Monday, but demand may pick up slightly after Weekend League rewards distribution, presenting a good opportunity for short-term investment.

  Fodder Cards

  Currently, due to decreased demand for gold cards, many players have stockpiled them, resulting in low market value for fodder cards with high overall ratings of 89 OVR and 88 OVR.

  This can be viewed as a long-term investment opportunity, as Black Friday may bring more attractive SBCs to deplete player inventory, allowing these items to be sold for more FC 26 coins.

  Ultimate Scream Cards

  These discontinued cards experience significant value fluctuations, making them a viable investment with the potential to generate some profit. However, for Ultimate Scream cards, such as Débora C. de Oliveira, Vinícius José de Oliveira Júnior, and Joshua Kimmich and others, where demand and value have already surged, the value remains high. It is strongly recommend selling them to lock in profits, as they are currently nearing their peak and a sharp drop is imminent.

  TOTW Cards

  Tuesdays are usually a good time to invest in TOTW cards, as their value is low. They can be used to complete SBCs that require TOTW players.

  Overall, this is a summary of Patch 1.2.0 and its current impact on gameplay and the market. It only offers minor optimizations in details such as passing, positioning, and defensive marking, but issues like lag and poor offensive/defensive balance still exist. For casual players, it may bring a slight improvement to the experience, but for long-term or competitive players, the patch's effect is limited.

• EA FC 26 Best Passing Techniques Explained | How To Control The Game Like A Pro?

  As everyone knows, mastering passing skills is crucial in EA FC 26, helping you maintain possession, create scoring opportunities, and control the tempo of the game. Effective passing can even allow you to exploit space to break down the opponent's defense and create scoring opportunities for your teammates through precise through balls and lofted through passes.

  Accurate passing is key for every professional player to control the ball and disrupt the opponent's attack in FC 26. Mastering and utilizing different types of passes can help you avoid frustrating mistakes and thus prevent losing possession. Here, we'll show you each passing technique and how to use them correctly.

  

  Ground Pass

  First, let's start with the basic Ground Pass. This is also the simplest passing technique in FC 26, influenced by both Tiki Taka and Pinged Pass playstyles.

  To perform a ground pass, aim at the player with the left stick and then press the X or A button. The goal of this pass is to get the ball directly to the player's feet, and it's the most common passing technique.

  When performing a ground pass, ensure there is no one else between the passer and the target player. If an opposing defender is positioned between the passer and the receiver, ground passes are easily intercepted.

  Lofted Pass

  But don't worry, here's another technique to overcome the drawbacks of ground passes! This is Lofted Pass. Simply double-tap the pass button quickly, and you'll find your player will throw the ball higher instead of passing it as usual.

  One-Two Pass

  If you want to create a scoring opportunity with your starting players immediately after passing, try One-Two Pass. Hold down L1/LB button to pass the ball to the receiver.

  Afterward, you need to observe your starting players' movements and seize the opportunity to win the game with a precise pass! Therefore, combining this passing method with other passing methods can be very effective.

  Driven Ground Pass

  Driven Ground Pass is an enhanced version of the regular ground pass. To execute this technique, hold down R1/RB button and increase the pass power. In certain tight spaces, this pass can help the receiver receive the ball faster.

  Obviously, this tactic can be very risky. However, as mentioned earlier, you can combine it with One-Two Pass, allowing your player to deliver a powerful and precise pass to the target player and then immediately run forward to create space for themselves.

  Through Pass

  Ground passes seem straightforward when you need to pass the ball directly to a player's feet. However, sometimes you need to pass the ball into the running lane. This is where Through Pass comes in, especially when there are running players in the open.

  Through passes allow you to maintain speed when receiving the ball. Simultaneously, you can use the left stick to indicate the running direction of the player and then press the Triangle/Y button to enhance the through pass.

  Lofted Through Pass

  Another passing technique is a variation of Through Pass Lofted Through Pass. This allows you to easily bypass defenders and deliver the ball into your running lane. Double-tap Triangle/Y button to activate it.

  When the opponent confidently stands in the middle of the normal passing lane ready to intercept, your attack can easily break through their defense.

  This move is incredibly powerful when you're preparing to pass the ball into the box, as you can manually control the ball's landing point with a precise through pass. While the landing point might not be exactly as expected, it's extremely useful. Especially when you see a runner with plenty of space ahead and potentially receiving the ball at a greater distance, you can choose Lofted Through Pass to position him closer to the opponent's goal.

  

  Flair Pass

  During passing, you sometimes need to pass the ball in a direction you can't face. This is where Flair Pass comes in handy. With these extra animations, you can perform one-touch passes that are impossible with regular passes, without controlling the ball.

  If you need these special animation effects, simply hold down the L2/LT button before charging the pass. You can also combine Flair Pass with Lob Pass to pass to a closer teammate. You'll see your player dive into the goal and loft the ball high.

  Lob Pass

  For Lob Pass, Long Ball Pass playstyle will play a crucial role. You can perform many actions using only Square/X button, especially under pressure. A simple Lob Pass can easily break through the defense.

  High Lob Pass

  For players with aerial advantage, you can also hold down L1/LB button before passing to perform a High Lob Pass. This makes the ball fly higher, giving taller players an advantage over shorter players.

  Driven Lob Pass

  A Driven Lob Pass is the opposite; the pass is lower in height but faster. This passing method is very useful if there are no defenders between the passer and the target.

  To use a Driven Lob Pass, hold down both L1/LB and R1/RB buttons simultaneously, then pass the ball powerfully. This passing method is especially effective when switching sides, allowing you to quickly pass the ball to the other side and accelerate the attack even before the opposing defenders have a foothold.

  Crosses

  When you perform a Lob Pass near the opponent's box, these passes become crosses. Whipped Pass Playstyle increases the curve of your pass, but you must observe your target and determine the power of your pass to capitalize on opportunities when the cross creates an advantage.

  Of course, there are also variations of crosses. A High Cross involves holding down L1/LB button while crossing, causing the ball to fly high and reducing the chance of interception.

  For more precise crosses, you can use Precision Cross again, holding down R1/RB button before crossing. Then, observe the target player's movement and carefully aim with the left stick to easily complete the cross.

  Besides High Cross, you can also choose Driven Cross, which makes the ball faster but with a lower trajectory, very useful in certain situations. This method is particularly effective when passing back down the flank while the winger on the other side cuts into the box. Holding down both L1/LB and R1/RB buttons simultaneously, then pressing the cross button, will deliver a faster and more accurate pass to the target.

  Swerve Pass

  Another popular passing technique in FIFA 26 this year is Swerve Pass, which adds extra curve to your through balls, creating new passing variations.

  Incisive Pass Playstyle plays a crucial role here. Hold L2+LT and increase the power of your normal pass by more than two bars to perform Precision Swerve Ground Pass. Depending on the player's curve ability, this method can create another passing route for the receiving player.

  You can also use this method for through balls. Hold L2+LT, point at the attacking player's run, and then pass with increased power. This is slightly more difficult than a normal through ball, but precise control of the through ball's landing point will give you an advantage. You'll need some extra practice to familiarize yourself with this technique and its practical application.

  Outside Foot Pass

  Finally, we have Outside Foot Pass, which can only be performed by players with Inventive Playstyle. The key is to avoid using the player's weak foot and only use their strong foot.

  If the ball is near a player's non-dominant foot and you're unsure, you can hold down L2/LT button while passing and then pass with the outside of your dominant foot.

  This technique also works for through balls and may even create a curve. Hold down L2/LT and try a through ball with the outside of your non-dominant foot. This can create many attacking opportunities without needing to switch feet, saving time.

  You can also use the outside foot pass for long passes, which quickly and accurately push the ball to the flanks. Hold down L2/LT and then make a powerful low pass into the opponent's half to perform this action. This passing method allows you to avoid your non-dominant foot, create a curve, and also chip the ball towards the player's running path, thus creating very unique passing opportunities.

  These are all the important passing techniques in EA FC 26. Skilled passing allows you to easily bypass defenders, maintain ball possession under pressure, and create more scoring opportunities. Therefore, mastering passing techniques is more important than simply relying on skill moves; it allows you to control the tempo of the game.

• EA FC 26 UEFA Primetime Promo Event Guide | Best Investments, Upgrade Rules & Market Crash Explained

  EA FC 26 Ultimate Scream promotion officially ended on Friday, November 7th. However, the 99-rated versions of these cards are now available and will remain active until Wednesday. These cards will be downgraded on Wednesday, and then upgraded again on December 5th, receiving a position change. This means the value of these cards will continue to fluctuate.

  Meanwhile, a new promotion, UEFA Primetime, has begun, offering 45 players at once. What special players are included in UEFA Primetime, and how can you utilize this promotion for investment?

  

  What Is UEFA Primetime?

  While UEFA Primetime appears to be a new promotion, it is essentially a rebranded and re-released version of Road to the Knockouts promotion. This time, the card packs include heroes and regular player cards.

  Upgrade Paths

  UEFA Primetime cards are Live Cards, and their stats will be upgraded based on the performance of real players and teams in upcoming European competitions such as Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. 

  Regular Players

  • If a player's club earns 7 or more points in the next four matches, their Overall Rating will increase by 1.
  • If an attacker or midfielder scores or assists in each of the next four matches, they will gain Role+ and an additional base playstyle.
  • If a defender keeps a clean sheet and avoids yellow or red cards in the next four matches, they will gain Role++ and an additional base playstyle.
  • If a club finishes in the top eight of their group and scores in each of the next four matches, players from that club will gain Playstyle+ or two base playstyles.

  Hero Cards

  The upgrade conditions for Hero cards are relatively easier. If their affiliated club wins two of the next four matches, they will gain OVR+1. If their affiliated club scores a total of four goals in the next four matches, they will receive Role++ and one additional base playstyle.

  UEFA Primetime League Objective

  Along with this promotion is UEFA Primetime League Objective, whose main reward is Miguel Rodríguez with 85 OVR. He's an RW and RM player with decent Pace (90), Dribbling (85), and Playstyles (Finesse Shot, Quick Step, etc.), but only has a 3-star skill and a 3-star weakfoot.

  As a free card, he's not bad, and this card is also a live item, receiving upgrades based on his club FC Utrecht's performance in the next four real-world matches.

  UEFA Primetime Hamza IgamaneObjective

  Another UEFA Primetime Hamza Igamane Objective reward is 84 OVR Hamza Igamane player card, a striker for Ligue 1 club Lille and Moroccan national team. Besides his decent inherent qualities, he can be added to the new Evolution, making him even more powerful.

  How To Invest?

  Following the release of UEFA Primetime, the transfer market has experienced a crash, and the decline in player values may continue for some time.

  The market decline is due to the release of 45 special cards in UEFA Primetime, plus 15 from Team of the Week, bringing the total number of special cards added to packs to over 60. This has severely impacted the market value of gold meta cards.

  On the other hand, many players are using the untradeable Ultimate Scream cards, which are dominating matches with their powerful stats, thus reducing the demand for regular gold cards.

  Gold Cards

  If you're considering investing in gold cards, it's advisable to wait. Their value is expected to drop further on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, so trading them with other players on Monday evening or Tuesday morning can save you more FC 26 coins.

  Ultimate Scream Cards

  Ultimate Scream Cards are about to be released from packs, but investing in them immediately after they leave the pack is not recommended. Other players may sell them after Weekend League matches, fearing a significant drop in value after Wednesday's stat adjustments.

  The ideal time to invest is Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, before the attribute pullback. Other players, not wanting to lose too many coins, will typically engage in panic selling during this time, requiring the fewest coins to invest.

  UEFA Primetime Cards

  As for the newly released UEFA Primetime Cards, immediate investment is not recommended. Most of their major upgrades won't be available until around January 28, 2026, after European tournament group stage ends. The next related tournament isn't until November 25th, so they won't have an upgrade opportunity in the short term, causing their value to decline.

  Evolution Cards

  Evolution cards require you to find gold cards with potential (around 83 OVR to 82 OVR) that are currently very undervalued. You can invest them in advance, betting they will become excellent choices for a future evolution quest. This is a long-term investment; there may not be obvious short-term returns, but this investment method has low risk and high returns.

  Here are some recommended players to invest in:

  • 74 OVR Claudio Echeverri CAM.
  • 83 OVR Loïs Openda ST.
  • 83 OVR Eduardo Camavinga CM.
  • 82 OVR Felix Nmecha CDM.

  Felix Nmecha will be included in the new promotional card pack, so its supply will decrease. If it evolves, its value could skyrocket, making it a very worthwhile investment.

  This concludes the general overview of UEFA Primetime. Overall, this promotion introduces many new cards, but not as many as Ultimate Scream. Therefore, it is recommended that you focus on SBCs and Evolutions.

• EA FC 26 Ultimate Scream Best Player Picks For Each Position To Strengthen Your Team

  The highly anticipated Ultimate Scream event in FC 26 has recently revealed the available players for two teams. This means you have more options to strengthen your team during the event, as these players have periodic attribute boosts.

  Unlocking players requires enough coins or consuming time completing relevant SBCs, which you may not have. Therefore, you need to choose suitable players and place them in the weaker positions on your team to maximize the value of Ultimate Scream.

  Based on this, we will introduce the most worthwhile players for each position below.

  

  Center Back

  The first Ultimate Scream CB player we recommend for this position is Van De Ven from Netherlands. His advantage lies in having both Anticipate PlayStyle+ and Defender Plus PlayStyle.

  More importantly, after evolution, you can further equip him with Jockey PlayStyle+, making him even more unstoppable. However, to be honest, even without this evolution, Van De Ven is already agile enough.

  To acquire this player, you'll need approximately 90,000 FC 26 coins. Compared to other players, this is a relatively friendly requirement, especially considering you should have accumulated a considerable number of coins by now if you've been playing regularly.

  If your budget allows, you can also consider the following players:

  • Rio Ferdinand
  • Sol Campbell
  • Nemanja Vidić

  Full-Backs

  For Ultimate Scream full-backs, it's recommended to use a mix of right and left backs to create a more offensive full-back lineup. More specifically, completing SBC to acquire Wesley is a good option.

  This Brazilian RB is currently available in FUT 26 for only 20,000-30,000 coins, making him ideal for players who consumed too many coins in the previous month or didn't have time to farm.

  Other right-back options we recommend include Achraf Hakimi and Jules Koundé. Their common advantage lies in their excellent physical attributes, which can intimidate opposing players with their size.

  As for the left-back, Nuno Mendes, who plays for Paris SG, is the first choice. Other good alternatives include Jordi Alba and Balde. The final choice depends on your team's configuration and your budget.

  Central Defensive Midfielder

  As a key position connecting defense and attack, CDM player must control the tempo of the game by disrupting the opponent's attack. For this, you should prioritize recruiting Ultimate Scream players with strong stamina and tactical awareness.

  While this seems tricky, FC 26 doesn't lack excellent CDMs, especially after Ultimate Scream's periodic enhancements. Your options are plentiful. The following players are worth considering:

  • Sergio Busquets
  • Camavinga
  • Kimmich
  • Marchisio

  Among them, we highly recommend Camavinga's evolved card. This means he can use Tiki Taka Playstyle, quickly transitioning from defense to attack through passing, effectively counter-attacking and breaking down the opponent's defense.

  Central Midfielder

  As a versatile player excelling in both attack and defense, a CM should possess reliable ball control and passing abilities to maintain control of the ball and the game's tempo.

  Based on this, in FIFA 26 Ultimate Scream, we highly recommend Kevin De Bruyne. His high passing rating of 93, combined with the Incisive Pass PlayStyle, allows him to dominate possession and passing in midfield.

  Other Ultimate Scream CM options should prioritize players with Tiki Taka Playstyle, as it remains one of the most powerful playstyles in FC 26. Possible players include:

  • Frenkie de Jong
  • Reijnders
  • Mariona (new)

  Central Attacking Midfielder

  If you choose the new Griezmann, his exquisite passing technique and highly threatening long passes will give you peace of mind in CAM position. Other similar options include the newly added João Félix.

  If your budget allows, we highly recommend recruiting Leonel Messi directly. If you prefer a more versatile and faster-paced CAM, you can choose between Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí.

  Right Winger

  One of the best options for this position is Lamine Yamal, not only because of his outstanding ability, but also because he's currently available for under 100,000 coins. Rodrygo from the same league is also a good choice, excelling at both LW and RW.

  Other recommended RW players include Mohamed Salah and Al Owairan, both performing well; you can choose freely based on your needs.

  Left Winger

  Besides Rodrygo, Nico Williams is another Ultimate Scream player who delivers excellent performances in both RW and LW, and he's also available for under 100,000 coins.

  If you have more coins, consider Rafael Leão, as he can utilize a five-star skill move in matches, improving your team's overall win rate with a more skillful playing style and ability.

  Striker

  As the primary scorer, the striker position is crucial. While the game features many star strikers, developing synergy with your other players is more important.

  With this in mind, you can recruit as many higher-tier strikers as possible from FIFA 26 Ultimate Scream, such as Ousmane Dembélé, based on your remaining budget.

  However, if your budget is limited, you can also acquire Sophia Wilson for under 100,000 coins.

  The above is our recommended list of the best players for each position in Ultimate Scream, but this is not a fixed list, as there are no absolutely good or bad players; it all depends on how you arrange and use them.

  In short, the event is time-limited, so if you have enough time and coins, quickly recruit your favorite Ultimate Scream players and achieve more victories in various competitive modes! Good luck!

• EA FC 26 Best Defending Guide | Master Tactical Defending, Second Man Press & Sprint Jockey After Patch Rollback

  EA Sports FC 26 rolled back the previous patch, making dribbling and attacking easier — once again putting pressure on defenses. When a striker or winger with a Finesse Shot or Low Driven Shot enters your penalty area, you have a high probability of conceding a goal.

  Good defense requires keeping the ball in the opponent's half as much as possible. However, when the opponent successfully finds a gap in your defense, you cannot panic. Instead, you must use your preparation and defensive experience to respond. Below are some currently effective defensive techniques.

  

  Game Settings

  First, it is recommended that you turn off Advanced Defending. This is because X blocking and sliding tackle effects in Advanced Defending in FUT 26 are inconsistent and unreliable. Tactical Defending is much simpler.

  When you press the tackle button, the system automatically determines whether to use a standing tackle or a shoulder charge, thus increasing the margin for error. Even in unfavorable situations, the player may only make a short pull to stop the attack rather than recklessly committing a foul that could lead to a penalty.

  Furthermore, central and defensive midfielders in FC 26 often lack proper defensive positioning awareness. Even with marking and defensive instructions, they will still push forward. If the full-backs also push forward, it will be very easy for them to launch counter-attacks.

  Therefore, setting the full-backs to defensive is the safest option, effectively preventing easy goals and quick counter-attacks.

  Defensive Strategy In The Opponent's Half

  In the latest version of the game, applying high pressure on the ball carrier in the opponent's half is very difficult and inefficient. Therefore, your main goal isn't to intercept immediately, but to keep your formation compact by pulling players back toward the middle.

  You need to control your forwards or attacking players, preventing them from pressing too high, and instead pulling them back to the midfield area to cut off the opponent's passing lanes to the forwards or wingers. Remember, the ultimate goal of defense is to slow down the opponent's attack, forcing them to pass laterally or back, thus buying time for your own defense to set up.

  You can stop opponents from making quick forward passes by blocking lanes and keeping your formation tight. When appropriate, you can use offside traps to push the entire formation forward, further compressing the opponent's attacking space and making it difficult for them to find opportunities to pass forward.

  If one-on-one defense is difficult, you should try to create two-on-one situations and use Second Man Press to increase defensive pressure. This allows players to tackle more aggressively because even if they make a mistake, the second defender can cover.

  You need to have your AI-controlled teammate press the ball carrier, while you control another player to block more dangerous passing lanes. Simply hold down R1 (PlayStation) or RB (Xbox), and a green arrow will appear above your controlled player's head, indicating that another teammate is executing an AI press.

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  Defensive Strategy In Your First Half

  High-level players are adept at exploiting the gaps between full-backs and center-backs, which are the most threatening areas in attack. Your main task is to cut off passes to this area, so you need to constantly watch out for opponents trying to pass the ball into this area.

  Avoid pulling your CBs or CDMs out of position to press unnecessarily. Once out of position, a huge gap will be left in the defense, which skilled players can exploit. You should use DMs or CMs more often to intercept and sweep in midfield, only sending defenders forward when you are sure you can win the ball.

  In laggy matches with high network latency or poor responsiveness, manual defending becomes difficult. In this situation, Second Man Press is your best friend. You only need to let the AI make close-range interference while you manually control a player to block the most threatening passing lanes or shooting angles.

  You can use L1 to switch between the nearest players, or use the right stick for precise switching to quickly control the player who needs to cover.

  

  Defensive Strategies In Your Own Penalty Area

  The new patch significantly enhances Sprint Jockey's effectiveness, so currently the best defenders, regardless of their FC 26 coins value, must have Jockey Playstyles. Players like Naomi Girma and Lucy Bronze have proven to be reliable defenders in the penalty area, allowing you to better mark opposing players making off-the-ball runs.

  When the opponent seeks a through ball or passing combination near the penalty area, using Sprint Jockey to control your center-back allows for more effective positioning and prevents them from receiving threatening passes.

  You need to hold down L2 and R2 (PlayStation) or LT and RT (Xbox) simultaneously. This action allows your defender to make a quick lateral movement in a ready stance, keeping their body facing the attacker while maintaining speed.

  Inside the penalty area, the primary task is not to tackle, but to prevent the ball from reaching dangerous positions. Therefore, you need to utilize all the techniques mentioned above—maintaining formation, using Second Man Press, and especially accelerating to cut off all threatening passes to the opponent's strikers, wingers, or midfielders. If the formation is disrupted, prioritize getting players back into defensive positions to reorganize before looking for opportunities.

  The above techniques are only effective after you have a well-established formation and reliable players. Additionally, you need to practice defensive maneuvers in different positions to develop muscle memory, allowing you to react instantly.