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 Player Roles

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
  1. From the main Ultimate Team screen, press R1/RB three times to select [Club];
  2. Select [Squad];
  3. Press L3 to popup [Squad Actions];
  4. Select [Team Management];
  5. Select one of the tactics available and select [Edit Tactic];
  6. Press R1/RB once to go to the [Player Roles] tab;
  7. 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.
Each element works together to create a more dynamic and authentic gameplay experience, focusing on both on-the-ball and off-the-ball actions. While a Role establishes a player’s primary responsibilities, the Focus acts as a modifier, allowing you to fine-tune specific aspects of their behavior.

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.
Having a Role+ or Role++ will heighten the effects of every player and, in turn, maximize your tactic. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to sacrifice tactic cohesiveness for Role+ or Role++ players.

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

Goalkeeper

  • Goalkeeper (Defend | Balanced)
  • Sweeper Keeper (Balanced | Build-Up)
  • Ball-Playing Keeper (Build-Up)
Full-Back
  • Fullback (Defend | Balanced | Versatile)
  • Falseback (Defend | Balanced)
  • Wingback (Balanced | Versatile)
  • Attacking Wingback (Support | Attack)
  • Inverted Wingback (Build-Up | Attack)
Centre-Back
  • Defender (Defend | Balanced)
  • Stopper (Balanced | Defend)
  • Ball-Playing Defender (Defend | Build-Up)
  • Wide Back (Defend | Aggressive | Support)
Defensive Midfielder
  • Holding (Defend | Roaming)
  • Centre-Half (Defend)
  • Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend | Roaming)
  • Wide Half (Build-Up | Defend)
  • Box Crasher (Balanced)
Centre Midfielder
  • Box-to-Box (Balanced | Ball Winning)
  • Holding (Defend)
  • Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend)
  • Playmaker (Attack | Roaming)
  • Half-Winger (Support (CM-only) | Balanced | Attack)
Wide Midfielder
  • Winger (Balanced | Attack | Versatile (RW/LW-only))
  • Wide Midfielder (Defend | Support | Build-Up)
  • Wide Playmaker (Attack)
  • Inside Forward (Balanced | Attack)
Attacking Midfielder
  • Playmaker (Balanced | Roaming)
  • Shadow Striker (Attack)
  • Half-Winger (Roaming (CAM-only) | Balanced | Attack)
  • Classic 10 (Versatile | Wide | Attack)
Winger
  • Winger (Balanced | Attack | Versatile)
  • Inside Forward (Balanced | Attack | Roaming)
  • Wide Playmaker (Attack)
Striker
  • Advanced Forward (Attack | Versatile)
  • Poacher (Attack | Versatile)
  • False 9 (Build-Up | Attack)
  • Target Forward (Balanced | Attack | Wide)

More Alternate Player Roles will be introduced throughout the year, allowing you to choose from a variety of Player Items as strategies continue to evolve over time.
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.
FC 26 Roles

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
Sweeper Keeper
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
Ball-Playing Keeper
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
FC 26 Roles

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
Stopper
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
Ball-Playing Defender
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
Wide Back
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
FC 26  Roles

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
Falseback
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
Wingback
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
Attacking Wingback
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
FC 26 Roles

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
Deep-Lying Playmaker
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
Wide Half
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
Centre-Half
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
Box Crasher
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
FC 26 Roles

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
Deep-Lying Playmaker
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
Playmaker
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
Half-Winger
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
Box-to-Box
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
FC 26 Roles

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
Half-Winger
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
Classic 10
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
Shadow Striker
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
FC 26 Roles

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
Wide Midfielder
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
Wide Playmaker
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
Inside Forward
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
FC 26 Roles

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
Winger
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
Wide Playmaker
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
FC 26 Roles

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
Target Forward
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
Poacher
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
False 9
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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