Defending in FC 26 can be tricky, especially when it comes to manual defending. One day, you’re a rock-solid defender, and the next, it feels like you’ve forgotten everything. The good news is that with the right approach, you can drastically improve your defensive game and stop those brutal counterattacks. In this guide, we’ll cover five essential tips to help you defend smarter, cut passing lanes, and limit goals from through balls. A large number of FC 26 Coins can also help you score well.

 

1. Keep Your Defensive Shape

 

The first step to improving your defense is maintaining your defensive shape. Many players make the mistake of rushing out with fullbacks or centerbacks, which leaves huge gaps for attackers to exploit. In FC 26, you need to think about defending as a team unit.

 

Keep your centerbacks and fullbacks in position. Only control them manually when your opponent enters the box.

 

Let your midfielders support the defense. Right and left mids can help cover space, intercept passes, and block runs.

 

Avoid constantly switching between defenders, which can create gaps and leave your team vulnerable.

 

By keeping your defensive line compact, you force your opponent to play around you rather than through you.

 

2. Master Right Stick Switching

 

Switching players correctly is critical to defending efficiently in FC 26. Most players rely solely on the L1/LB button, but this can leave you controlling the wrong player at the wrong time. Instead, use the right stick to switch players:

 

Flick the right stick toward the player you want to control. This gives you precise control and allows you to react faster to attacks.

 

Combine right-stick switching with the second-man press (hold R1/RB). The second-man press applies pressure with a nearby teammate while you control another player to cut passing lanes.

 

This technique is especially useful for surprise tackles. For example, when your opponent triggers a forward run, right-stick switching lets you quickly control the defender closest to the threat and stop the attack before it develops.

 

3. Reduce Vulnerability to Counterattacks

 

Counterattacks are a major source of frustration in FC 26, largely due to overpowered through balls. While you can’t stop every counterattack, you can reduce how often they succeed:

 

Use defenders with the Interceptor play style. This is crucial because these players can intercept passes automatically, even when you’re not controlling them. Make sure your centerbacks, fullbacks, and CDMs have this play style.

 

Adjust your defensive depth. Using extremely high lines (70–90) can make counterattacks deadly. Try a 60-depth setup to give your defenders more room to react.

 

When a through ball is triggered, control the defender closest to the attacker running in behind, not the player with the ball. Move backward and block the passing lane.

 

These small adjustments won’t make you invincible, but they will significantly reduce goals conceded from fast breaks and through balls.

 

4. Prioritize Shoulder Challenges Over Stand Tackles

 

In FC 26, the most effective way to challenge the ball carrier is through shoulder challenges, especially with players who have the Brawler play style. Here’s why shoulder challenges are superior:

 

Stand tackles leave your player out of position if you fail to win the ball, creating gaps for your opponent.

 

Shoulder challenges allow your player to contest the ball without losing defensive readiness, letting you chain challenges effectively.

 

To perform a shoulder challenge, use Advanced Defending. Press X (PS) or A (Xbox) when your defender is next to the ball carrier.

 

Always prioritize Brawler + Interceptor play styles on your defenders. This combination ensures your players can challenge effectively, intercept passes, and remain in position to cover potential counterattacks.

 

5. Use Midfield Pressure Smartly

 

High pressing is vital to disrupting your opponent’s rhythm and preventing dangerous attacks. To execute high pressure effectively:

 

Use the second-man press (R1/RB) with a midfielder. This creates pressure without leaving gaps in your backline.

 

Control a nearby player to cut passing lanes while your second-man applies pressure.

 

Avoid using the second-man press with centerbacks. This risks pulling them out of position and leaving your goal exposed.

 

High pressing with the right setup allows you to intercept passes, force mistakes, and control the pace of the game. It’s all about positioning, timing, and coordination.

 

Bonus Tips

 

Focus on defending as a unit, not chasing the ball. Let AI defenders handle their zones unless you need to manually intervene in the box.

 

Always read the game. Watch for attackers making runs behind your defensive line and adjust quickly.

 

Train your defenders in offline or practice mode. The more familiar you are with their movement and tackling mechanics, the better you’ll perform in matches. Having enough cheap FC 26 Coins can also be very helpful.