FC 26 ROLES
FC 26 Roles enable you to pre-select how your players perform off the ball and out of possession in-game.
FC 26 Roles
Player Roles continue to be a key part of FC 26, shaping how players perform off the ball and out of possession as part of FC IQ.
EA FC 26 features 37 Player Roles, with each position (except goalkeeper) having between three and five distinct roles, resulting in a total of 71 role and focus combinations available in the game.
How to Set Up FC 26 Player Roles
- From the main Ultimate Team screen, press R1/RB three times to select [Club];
- Select [Squad];
- Press L3 to popup [Squad Actions];
- Select [Tactics];
- Select one of the tactics available and select [Edit Tactic];
- Press R1/RB once to go to the [Player Roles] tab;
- Make the desired changes and save.
Roles and Focuses
FC 26 Roles dictate how each player thinks, moves, and behaves off the ball. From goalkeepers to strikers, every position has specific Roles and Focuses that shape player behavior both with and without the ball, which you can view in the menus.
Think of the system like this:
- Player Roles
These define a player’s behavior off the ball, such as positioning, movement, and decision-making in various game situations (e.g., tracking back, making runs). Each position has its own Role that determines its primary responsibilities. - Focus
This is a modifier applied to the Role. It allows you to fine-tune one or two specific aspects of the Role, adjusting characteristics to suit tactical preferences. - HyperMotionV
This system captures unique motion characteristics of players, affecting how they move and interact with the ball in real-time. It influences the realism of player animations. - OVR (Overall Rating)
This represents a player’s physical and mental attributes, summarizing their overall performance potential. - PlayStyles
These are the skills players exhibit when they’re on the ball. They define unique traits like dribbling, passing, or shooting abilities.
Role Familiarity
Each playerhave a Role Familiarity that allows them to perform their duties at a higher capacity than others. While the Roles are determined per position, Familiarity is connected to specific players and acts on the Role level. IT is position-based, meaning that if a player has that position as one of their preferred ones, they can play any role in that position. This logic applies to any position a player might have.
- Base
If a player is assigned a position that is one of their preferred positions, they will have access to all of the Roles of those positions in at least a Base level. - Role+
Every player will have at least one Role+, indicating that they are accomplished in that Role. - Role++
Reserved for the best-of-the-best, the few players with Role++ are world class in that Role. - Out of Position
The yellow exclamation mark indicates a simplified version of the Role when the player is out of position.
Out of Position players will still be able to play that position but at a much lower quality than someone who is designed to be there. This allows you to still use these players but they might not fit the ideal tactic you are trying to create.
Frequently Asked Questions
FC 26 Player Roles allow you to choose in advance how your players perform off the ball and out of possession in-game.
FC 26 Player Roles allow you to choose in advance how your players perform off the ball and out of possession in-game.
Position | Role – Focus
Position | Role – Focus
Goalkeeper
- Goalkeeper (Defend | Balanced)
- Sweeper Keeper (Balanced | Build-Up)
- Ball-Playing Keeper (Build-Up)
- Fullback (Defend | Balanced | Versatile)
- Falseback (Defend | Balanced)
- Wingback (Balanced | Versatile)
- Attacking Wingback (Support | Attack)
- Inverted Wingback (Build-Up | Attack)
- Defender (Defend | Balanced)
- Stopper (Balanced | Defend)
- Ball-Playing Defender (Defend | Build-Up)
- Wide Back (Defend | Aggressive | Support)
- Holding (Defend | Roaming)
- Centre-Half (Defend)
- Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend | Roaming)
- Wide Half (Build-Up | Defend)
- Box Crasher (Balanced)
- Box-to-Box (Balanced | Ball Winning)
- Holding (Defend)
- Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend)
- Playmaker (Attack | Roaming)
- Half-Winger (Support (CM-only) | Balanced | Attack)
- Winger (Balanced | Attack | Versatile (RW/LW-only))
- Wide Midfielder (Defend | Support | Build-Up)
- Wide Playmaker (Attack)
- Inside Forward (Balanced | Attack)
- Playmaker (Balanced | Roaming)
- Shadow Striker (Attack)
- Half-Winger (Roaming (CAM-only) | Balanced | Attack)
- Classic 10 (Versatile | Wide | Attack)
- Winger (Balanced | Attack | Versatile)
- Inside Forward (Balanced | Attack | Roaming)
- Wide Playmaker (Attack)
- Advanced Forward (Attack | Versatile)
- Poacher (Attack | Versatile)
- False 9 (Build-Up | Attack)
- Target Forward (Balanced | Attack | Wide)
In FC 26, Player Roles are much more flexible. Players can go beyond their standard roles during play, thanks to new Versatile Focus options and less rigid role constraints.
The negative effect of being Out of Position is greatly reduced, more Roles+/++ are available (with players now able to have more than four positions), and four new Roles were introduced: Wide Back, Inverted Wingback, Box Crasher, and Ball-Playing Keeper.
The negative effect of being Out of Position is greatly reduced, more Roles+/++ are available (with players now able to have more than four positions), and four new Roles were introduced: Wide Back, Inverted Wingback, Box Crasher, and Ball-Playing Keeper.
Goalkeeper Roles and Focuses
Goalkeeper
A traditional goalkeeper who stays on their line and focuses on shot-stopping.
- Defend Focus
With a Defend focus, the Goalkeeper won’t rush out to collect long or loose balls.
● Stay in Position ● Defending ● Low Risk ● Rush - Balanced Focus
With a Balanced focus, the Goalkeeper will occasionally leave their area to collect long or loose balls.
● Stay in Position ● Defending ● Some Risk ● Rush
A modern goalkeeper who is able to stop attacks and support build-up play as a passing option.
- Balanced Focus
A Balanced focus allows the Sweeper Keeper to leave their area to collect balls close to their box.
● Rush ● Pass Option ● Some Risk ● Stay in Position - Build-Up Focus
A Build-Up focus encourages the Sweeper Keeper to push even higher up the pitch to collect the ball and support play.
● Rush ● Pass Option ● Some Risk ● Stay in Position
A modern goalkeeper focused on supporting build-up play as a passing option, but stays on their line during defensive phases.
- Build-Up Focus
With a Build-Up focus, the Ball-Playing Keeper actively joins build-up play by offering a safe passing option but does not rush far out of the box when defending.
● Pass Option ● Build-Up ● Low Risk ● Stay in Position
Centre Back Roles and Focuses
Defender
A no-nonsense centre-back who excels at the basics of defending, including maintaining the defensive line.
- Defend Focus
When asked to defend, the Defender will focus only on their defensive responsibilities.
● Stays Back ● Defending ● Limited Versatility ● Pass Option - Balanced Focus
With a Balanced focus, the Defender will step up to close down attackers when needed.
● Stays Back ● Defending ● Limited Versatility ● Limited Width
A ball-winning centre-back who will step forward from the defensive line to make tackles, intercept passes, and lead the press.
- Balanced Focus
With a Balanced focus, the Stopper will intercept passes and pressure attackers receiving the ball.
● Defending ● Pressure ● Aggressiveness ● Leave Gaps - Aggressive Focus
When asked to be Aggressive, the Stopper will push up into the base of midfield to intercept passes and close down attackers.
● Pressure ● Aggressiveness ● Defence Support ● Leaves Gaps - Defend Focus
With a Defend focus, the Stopper will prioritize holding position and basic defensive duties while stepping up only when necessary.
● Stays Back ● Defending ● Position Discipline ● Less Pressure
A modern centre back who is as comfortable playing offside as playing the ball. Capable of moving forward or wider to support build-up play.
- Build-Up Focus
The Build-Up focus moves the Ball-Playing Defender into more of a holding defensive midfielder during possession.
● Build-Up Support ● Defence Support ● Versatile ● Out of Position - Aggressive Focus
When set to Aggressive, the Ball-Playing Defender will focus on intercepting passes and closing down opponents.
● Pressure ● Aggressiveness ● Build-Up Support ● Leave Gaps - Defend Focus
With a Defend focus, the Ball-Playing Defender will step up a little to support teammates during possession.
● Defending ● Build-Up Support ● Stays Back ● Leave Gaps
A central defender who shifts wide to cover for advancing or absent fullbacks, especially valuable in back-three systems.
- Defend Focus
With a Defend focus, the Wide Back primarily protects the back line and tracks the opposition down the wings.
● Wide Support ● Defending ● Central Coverage ● Less Overlap - Aggressive Focus
An Aggressive focus lets the Wide Back step up higher or move wider to press opponents early.
● Wide Pressure ● Early Press ● Wide Build-Up ● Leaves Central Gaps - Support Focus
With a Support focus, the Wide Back covers both defensive duties and helps extend possession down the flank when needed.
● Defensive + Build-Up Support ● Wide Passing ● Flank Transition ● Possible Out of Position
Full Back Roles and Focuses
Fullback
A wide defender that will prioritise protecting their own goal, by standing back, holding the defensive line, and offering a passing option to release pressure.
- Defend Focus
When set to Defend, the Fullback will move inside to form a back three when their team is in possession.
● Stays Back ● Defending ● Limited Versatility ● Wide Support - Balanced Focus
When set to Balanced, the Fullback is granted more freedom to push slightly forward and wider in support of attacks.
● Defending ● Stays Back ● Pass Option ● Attack Support
A modern evolution of the fullback, this player pushes up the field, adopting a central position, when their team has the ball.
- Balanced Focus
When set to Balanced, the Falseback positions themselves as a Central Midfielder when their team is in possession.
● Build-Up Support ● Defence Support ● Limited Width ● Out of Position - Defend Focus
When set to Defend, the Falseback operates as a Defensive Midfielder when the team has the ball.
● Defending ● Build-Up Support ● Limited Width ● Out of Position
This player’s versatility and stamina allows them to push upfield to support attacks, before returning to their defensive position.
- Support Focus
When asked to Support, the Wingback can only attack when their team has controlled possession, and only defend when the team doesn’t have the ball.
● Wide Support ● Defence Option ● Out of Position ● Stamina Usage - Balanced Focus
With Balanced, the Wingback is given license to stay forward even when the team is out of possession, or drop back into defence when needed.
● Wide Support ● Movement ● Versatile ● Stamina Usage
Though technically a defender, this player will be more concerned with getting forward, and offering width to their team’s attacks.
- Attack Focus
When asked to Attack, the Attacking Wingback will push even higher up the pitch, and perform fewer defensive duties.
● Attacking ● Wide SUpport ● Out of Position ● Defending - Balanced Focus
When asked to be Balanced, the Attacking Wingback will rarely sprint back to defend, unless the team has been hit on the counter.
● Wide Support ● Attacking ● Stamina Usage ● Defending
Defensive Midfielder Roles and Focuses
Holding
A defensive midfielder dedicated to protecting the backline, defending aggressively or covering passing lanes, with limited attacking support.
- Ball-Winning Focus
The Ball-Winning focus tasks the Holding Midfielder with aggressively winning the ball and intercepting passes.
● Defending ● Aggressiveness ● Limited Versatility ● Pass Option - Roaming Focus
With Roaming, the Holding Midfielder moves across the pitch to close passing lanes and press attackers.
● Defending ● Movement ● Pass Option ● Stamina Usage - Defend Focus
On Defend, the Holding Midfielder stays deeper, focusing on protecting the defence and offering a passing outlet.
● Defending ● Stays Back ● Pass Option ● Lacks Mobility
A creative midfielder who builds play from deep, supporting both defence and attack with incisive passing.
- Build-Up Focus
In Build-Up, the Deep-Lying Playmaker moves forward and supports attacks with passes.
● Creative ● Versatile ● Pass Option ● Support the Defence - Roaming Focus
Roaming lets the Playmaker move across the width of the pitch to offer support.
● Creative ● Movement ● Pass Option ● Out of Position - Defend Focus
With Defend, the Deep-Lying Playmaker holds position, breaking up opposition moves and distributing the ball from deep.
● Defending ● Creative ● Intercepts Passes ● Attacking
A defensive midfielder responsible for covering the sides of the pitch and filling wide defensive positions when needed.
- Build-Up Focus
In Build-Up, the Wide Half can support moves out wide and push forward into wide areas.
● Pass Option ● Wide Support ● Supports Defence ● Supports Centrally - Defend Focus
With Defend, the Wide Half will drop into fullback or wingback positions as needed.
● Defending ● Wide Support ● Stays Back ● Supports Centrally
A defensive midfielder who drops back between the Centre-Backs in possession, providing extra cover and support against counter attacks.
- Defend Focus
On Defend, the Centre-Half remains close to the defence to protect the backline.
● Defending ● Supports Centrally ● Limited Versatility ● Wide Support
A defensive midfielder who makes late runs into the penalty box to join attacks, prioritizing offensive support over defensive positioning.
- Balanced Focus
With Balanced, the Box Crasher looks to arrive late in the box to support attacks, often prioritizing attacking runs over immediate defensive duties.
● Attack Support ● Late Runs ● Offensive Movement ● Slow Defensive Recovery
Centre Midfielder Roles and Focuses
Holding
A disciplined midfielder who shields the backline and focuses on defensive responsibilities, moving up for support only when allowed.
- Ball-Winning Focus
The Ball-Winning focus assigns the Holding Midfielder to recover possession aggressively by intercepting passes and engaging challenges.
● Defending ● Aggressiveness ● Limited Versatility ● Pass Option - Defend Focus
On Defend, the Holding Midfielder stays deep, primarily focused on screening the defenders and providing a basic passing option.
● Defending ● Stays Back ● Pass Option ● Lacks Mobility
A creative midfielder who builds up play from deep and acts as the link between defense and attack.
- Build-Up Focus
With Build-Up, the Deep-Lying Playmaker moves forward to offer passing options and support attacking phases.
● Creative ● Versatile ● Pass Option ● Supports Defence - Defend Focus
On Defend, the Deep-Lying Playmaker holds position, focusing on intercepting passes and staying back.
● Defending ● Creative ● Intercepts Passes ● Attacking
The Playmaker roams and creates attacking opportunities, orchestrating play and finding space to support forward moves.
- Roaming Focus
Roaming allows the Playmaker to move freely across the pitch, seeking the best spots to ignite attacks.
● Creative ● Movement ● Out of Position ● Defence Support - Attack Focus
On Attack, the Playmaker pushes higher up the field to drive forward play and increase attacking support.
● Creative ● Attack Support ● Limited Width ● Defence Support
A versatile midfielder who operates in the half-space, providing width and supporting both attack and defense.
- Balanced Focus
With Balanced, the Half-Winger alternates equally between contributing to attacks on the wing and tracking back to defend.
● Wide Support ● Versatile ● Movement ● Stamina Usage - Attack Focus
When set to Attack, the Half-Winger advances more aggressively, focusing on supporting forward runs and attacks.
● Wide Support ● Attacking ● Out of Position ● Defence Support - Support Focus
With Support, the Half-Winger focuses on linking and sustaining possession, providing support between central and wide areas.
● Linking Play ● Wide & Central Support ● Transitional ● Less Advanced - Roaming Focus
In Roaming (CAM-only), the Half-Winger alternates which side they attack and finds space between lines.
● Creative Runs ● Switches Side ● Finds Space ● Requires Intelligence
A dynamic player covering ground between both penalty areas, linking up attack and defense.
- Balanced Focus
In Balanced, the Box-to-Box midfielder moves from defense to attack, distributing energy throughout the center of the pitch.
● Attack Support ● Defence Support ● Versatile ● Stamina Usage - Ball Winning Focus
With Ball Winning, the Box-to-Box midfielder is focused on recovering possession as well as contributing to both offense and defense.
● Defensive Recovery ● Presses ● High Workrate ● Stamina Usage
Attacking Midfielder Roles and Focuses
Playmaker
This player is the creative hub of the midfield, given license to roam and generate opportunities for attacks. Likely to be caught out of position if the opposition counters.
- Build-Up Focus
With Build-Up, the Playmaker drops deeper to receive the ball and orchestrate attacks.
● Creative ● Build-Up Support ● Movement ● Supports Attacks - Roaming Focus
Roaming gives the Playmaker freedom to move across the pitch, seeking ideal spaces for attack.
● Creative ● Movement ● Out Of Position ● Defence Support - Balanced Focus
Balanced lets the Playmaker provide defensive support in addition to orchestrating attacks.
● Creative ● Versatile ● Pass Option ● Stamina Usage
A midfielder who provides width in possession, moving along the flanks and offering a wide threat.
- Balanced Focus
In Balanced, alternates between attacking and defending duties.
● Wide Support ● Versatile ● Movement ● Stamina Usage - Attack Focus
Set to Attack, the Half-Winger pushes forward freely, sacrificing some defensive responsibility.
● Wide Support ● Attacking ● Out of Position ● Defence Support - Support Focus
On Support, maintains possession and connects play between the center and wing.
● Linking Play ● Wide & Central Support ● Transitional ● Less Advanced - Roaming Focus
On Roaming (CAM-only), alternates sides to attack and explores spaces between the lines.
● Creative Runs ● Switches Side ● Finds Space ● Requires Intelligence
A traditional attacking midfielder, center of creativity and attacking distribution.
- Wide Focus
On Wide, drifts out to the wing and initiates attacks from any position across the pitch.
● Support Attacks ● Creative ● Wide Support ● Supports the Defence - Attack Focus
Attack keeps the Classic 10 in the pocket behind the striker, focusing on creativity.
● Supports Attacks ● Creative ● Limited Versatility ● Lacks Mobility - Versatile Focus
Versatile enables the Classic 10 to adapt in real-time to support both playmaking and off-the-ball movement.
● Creative ● Adapts Play ● Space Utilization ● Unpredictable
An attacking midfielder who operates behind the strikers, timing runs into the box to create scoring chances.
- Attack Focus
Set to Attack, makes late runs into the penalty box, creating and finishing opportunities.
● Attacking Runs ● Support Centrally ● Stamina Usage ● Defence Support
Right/Left Midfielder Roles and Focuses
Winger
A wide midfielder who will always stay wide, hugging the touchline and supporting play on the flanks in all phases.
- Attack Focus
With Attack, the Winger pushes forward, looking to run behind the defence instead of receiving to feet.
● Wide Support ● Attack Support ● Pass Option ● Defending - Balanced Focus
Balanced lets the Winger support both defence and attack, alternating runs in behind with offering as a passing option.
● Wide Support ● Pass Option ● Versatile ● Stamina Usage - Versatile Focus
Versatile lets the Winger adapt in real time—staying wide, moving centrally, or attacking in behind as the play develops.
● Adaptive ● Wide or Central ● Creative ● Less Predictable
A midfielder who stays wide to facilitate play, offering passing and defensive support but rarely pushing forward.
- Defend Focus
With Defend, the Wide Midfielder drops into a deeper role to help shield the defence.
● Wide Support ● Stays Back ● Pass Option ● Attack Support - Support Focus
Support means the Wide Midfielder keeps width, helping possession and defensive structure as needed.
● Wide Support ● Versatile ● Pass Option ● Lacks Mobility - Build-Up Focus
With Build-Up, the Wide Mid supports forward play, moving up to link possession or drop back if play demands.
● Build-Up Play ● Wide Support ● Ball Circulation ● Defensive Awareness
A creative wide player who starts outside but can drift inside to create chances and unpick defences.
- Build-Up Focus
On Build-Up, the Wide Playmaker comes short for passes, balancing distribution and occasional defensive support.
● Creative ● Build-Up Support ● Supports Defence ● Support Centrally - Attack Focus
With Attack, the Wide Playmaker pushes upfield, receiving balls out wide and driving play forward.
● Creative ● Attack Support ● Wide Support ● Defence Support
A wide attacker who regularly cuts inside onto their stronger foot, aiming to shoot or create final passes.
- Attack Focus
Attack makes the Inside Forward cut inside and make aggressive, central attacking runs.
● Attacking ● Support Centrally ● Cut Inside ● Defence Support - Balanced Focus
With Balanced, the Inside Forward supports attack and sometimes stays available as a passing option, offering less defensive cover.
● Attack Support ● Pass Option ● Cut Inside ● Stamina Usage
Winger Roles and Focuses
Inside Forward
A wide attacker who starts on the wing but often cuts inside onto their preferred foot to shoot or make a decisive pass, frequently making runs behind the defence.
- Roaming Focus
Roaming lets the Inside Forward freely explore and exploit any defensive gaps found in the opposition.
● Movement ● Attack Support ● Cut Inside ● Out of Position - Balanced Focus
Balanced means the Inside Forward will offer limited defensive cover, sometimes choosing to hold up play and provide passing options rather than always running in behind.
● Attack Support ● Pass Option ● Cut Inside ● Stamina Usage - Attack Focus
On Attack, the Inside Forward concentrates on cutting inside and making direct, aggressive attacking runs.
● Attacking ● Support Centrally ● Cut Inside ● Defence Support
A wide midfielder who consistently stays wide, hugging the touchline and supporting play on the flanks in all phases.
- Attack Focus
With Attack, the Winger pushes forward and prefers to make runs behind the defence, focusing on direct attacking movements.
● Wide Support ● Attack Support ● Pass Option ● Defending - Balanced Focus
When Balanced, the Winger supports both defence and attack, sometimes running in behind and sometimes offering as a passing option.
● Wide Support ● Pass Option ● Versatile ● Stamina Usage - Versatile Focus
Versatile allows the Winger to adapt in real time: staying wide, moving centrally, or making runs in behind depending on match situations.
● Adaptive ● Wide or Central ● Creative ● Less Predictable
A creative player starting wide but able to move inside, linking play and helping to break down defences.
- Build-Up Focus
With Build-Up, the Wide Playmaker comes short to receive passes, balancing attack with supporting defensive structure.
● Creative ● Build-Up Support ● Supports Defence ● Support Centrally - Attack Focus
Attack sees the Wide Playmaker move forward and receive the ball out wide, focusing on progressing attacks.
● Creative ● Attack Support ● Wide Support ● Defence Support
Striker Roles and Focuses
Advanced Forward
A versatile attacker who stays close to the opposition’s defensive line, opens up for passes in build-up, and makes runs in behind for scoring opportunities.
- Versatile Focus
With Versatile, the Advanced Forward adjusts between moving wide, dropping deep, or staying central to create space or receive passes.
● Adaptive Movement ● Attacking ● Disruptive ● Constant Threat - Attack Focus
Attack sees the Advanced Forward focus on goal-scoring chances, mostly remaining high and central.
● Attacking ● Pass Option ● Versatile ● Limited Width
A physical attacker who holds up play, shields the ball, and brings others into the attack, benefiting from crosses and passes to feet.
- Wide Focus
On Wide, the Target Forward drifts to the edges of the box to create space or attack crosses.
● Physical ● Wide Support ● Attacking ● Central Support - Balanced Focus
Balanced involves dropping off the line, holding up play, and laying off passes to teammates, with minor defensive involvement.
● Physical ● Build-Up Support ● Defence Support ● Lacks Mobility - Attack Focus
On Attack, the Target Forward is freed to focus solely on advancing and finishing chances.
● Physical ● Attacking ● Build-Up Support ● Lacks Mobility
A striker dedicated to scoring, staying forward and making runs behind the defence to find space for chances.
- Versatile Focus
With Versatile, the Poacher adapts runs based on play — pressing defenders, drifting wide, or lurking centrally to finish.
● Attacking Runs ● Adaptive ● Constant Pressure ● High Workrate - Attack Focus
On Attack, the Poacher lurks near the defensive line, always looking to exploit defensive errors.
● Attacking Runs ● Support Centrally ● Limited Width ● Defence Support
A forward who drops deep into midfield to dictate play and create attacks, offering additional defensive support.
- Build-Up Focus
With Build-Up, the False 9 drops off the defensive line to receive and distribute the ball, acting as a creative playmaker.
● Creative ● Build-Up Support ● Movement ● Attacking - Attack Focus
With Attack, the False 9 takes up more advanced positions to directly threaten goal while still connecting play.
● Playmaker ● Advanced Threat ● Versatile ● Less Support Deep
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