In-Match Tactical Adjustments Must Be Reactive and Intelligent

Right now, most tactical adjustments in FC 25 feel sluggish and FC 26 Coins cosmetic. Changing formation mid-game rarely creates real consequences unless it's extremely drastic. In FM, altering a fullback’s instructions or shifting a midfielder’s role can swing a game.

FC 26 should enable:

Real-time tactical shifts based on match momentum

AI managers who adapt to your style, exploit weaknesses, and make proactive changes

Player reactions to tactical tweaks (some thrive in a fluid system, others might underperform out of position)

Imagine having to switch from a high-pressing 4-3-3 to a compact 5-4-1 because the opposition starts hitting you on the counter. These are the moments that define real-life managers—and they should define your Career Mode experience too.

Role-Based Player Instructions, Not Just Position-Based

One of Football Manager’s greatest tactical strengths is its role-based system. Every player can be instructed to behave differently within the same position. A central midfielder can be a playmaker, ball-winner, or box-to-box runner—all with distinct responsibilities.

In FC 26, EA must move beyond static positions and introduce player roles:

Striker roles: Poacher, False 9, Target Man

Midfield roles: Deep-Lying Playmaker, Carrilero, Mezzala

Defender roles: Ball-Playing CB, Stopper, Libero

Pairing these roles with player traits and instructions would allow for true tactical identity and squad-building strategy. Building a Gegenpressing team should feel vastly different from assembling a possession-based unit.

Advanced Formation Customization with Transition Phases

In FC 25, formations are too rigid. A team plays the same way in possession, transition, and defense. FC 26 needs to introduce formation fluidity—allowing players to set different shapes for different phases.

Examples:

In possession: 3-2-5 formation with fullbacks tucked in

Defensive transition: 4-4-2 mid-block

Attacking transition: 4-3-3 with inverted wingers

This would replicate modern football trends where teams morph depending on the flow of the game. Managers like Guardiola, Klopp, or Arteta don’t stick to buy EA FC 26 Coins one rigid shape. Neither should Career Mode players.