Best FC 26 4-2-1-3 Custom Tactics

Best FC 26 4-2-1-3 custom tactics, roles and counter-attacking tips.

Best FC 26 4-2-1-3 Custom Tactics

Jamo - EasySBC Content Creator · 3 Aug 2026

Best FC 26 4-2-1-3 Counter-Attacking Tactics

The 4-2-1-3 is a strong formation in FC 26 for players who want to defend with structure before attacking quickly on the break.

With two CDMs protecting the defence, a CAM linking midfield and attack, and three forwards staying high up the pitch, the formation gives you several dangerous options whenever possession is recovered.

This setup comes from the EasySBC Community Tactics page and combines controlled short passing with direct counter-attacking movement.

Why Use the 4-2-1-3 in FC 26?

The 4-2-1-3 earned a reputation for being particularly “ratty” in FC 25. Its two CDMs made it difficult to play through centrally, while the front three remained ready to launch quick attacks whenever possession changed hands.

That same identity can still make the formation effective in FC 26.

The two CDMs provide protection in front of the defence, you'll notice it's much harder for opponents to play straight through the middle because there's always an extra body covering the space. While the CAM connects them with the front three. This allows you to remain compact without losing your attacking threat.

Despite using Short Passing, the tactic is not designed around slow possession. The aim is to play one or two controlled passes through midfield, escape the opposition’s pressure and then release the attackers into space.

Best FC 26 4-2-1-3 Custom Tactics

best 4213 tactics - tactical settings.webp Use the following tactical settings:

Build-Up Style – Short Passing

Short Passing gives your defenders and midfielders reliable passing options after possession is recovered.

Rather than forcing the ball forward immediately, you can use the CDMs to play through the first line of pressure. Once that pressure has been beaten, the CAM and front three can begin the counter-attack.

Defensive Approach – Balanced

Balanced helps the team maintain its defensive shape without becoming too passive.

Your players will engage the opposition when necessary, but the two CDMs are less likely to abandon the centre of the pitch through an overly aggressive press.

Line Height – 50

A line height of 50 keeps the defence in a sensible position.

It is high enough to prevent your team from becoming trapped near its own penalty area, but not so aggressive that you constantly leave space behind the back line.

Best Player Roles for the 4-2-1-3

best 4213 tactics - player roles.webp

Goalkeeper – Goalkeeper, Defend

There's nothing complicated here. The goalkeeper stays close to their line and focuses on doing the basics well instead of rushing out to sweep behind the defence. It suits this setup because the back four stay compact and don't leave huge gaps to cover.

Centre-Backs – Defender, Defend

These two are there to defend first and foremost. They hold their shape, deal with crosses and make it difficult for strikers to find space in the box. Simple, but exactly what you want.

Fullbacks – Fullback, Balanced

The fullbacks pick their moments to get involved. They'll support attacks when the opportunity is there, but they're just as happy staying in position to stop counters. It gives you a nice balance without leaving the centre-backs exposed. For a more attacking style of play, manually triggering fullback runs works well. Just be cautious of being caught out if you lose the ball.

Left CDM – Holding, Defend

This player is the shield in front of the defence. While everyone else has the role to push on, they're the one staying back, breaking up attacks and making sure you don't get caught out when possession is lost.

Right CDM – Deep-Lying Playmaker, Build-Up

This is the player who keeps everything ticking over. They'll often be the first pass out from defence before switching play or finding the attackers between the lines. A lot of your build-up goes through them.

CAM – Playmaker, Balanced

Most attacks go through the CAM. They'll always seem to find space between the opposition midfield and defence, making them your best option whenever you need to slow things down or pick out a final pass.

Left Wing – Winger, Balanced

You'll usually find the left winger hugging the touchline, ready for quick switches of play. Because the right side attacks more centrally, this player is often left with plenty of room to run into.

Right Wing – Inside Forward, Roaming

The right side is where a lot of your attacks start to come alive. Instead of staying wide, the Inside Forward drifts inside looking to combine with the CAM and striker, giving you an extra runner whenever you break forward.

Striker – Poacher, Attack

The striker stays high and concentrates on making runs into goalscoring areas. Their job is simple...score goals. They stay high up the pitch, looking for gaps between the centre-backs rather than dropping deep to get involved. If your wide players and CAM are creating chances, this is the player who should be finishing them.

Strengths of the 4-2-1-3

The main strengths of this setup are:

Weaknesses of the 4-2-1-3

How to Find the Best Players for Each Role

Choosing the right players is just as important as using the correct tactics. While these instructions work with many squads, selecting players that naturally suit each role will help you get the most out of the formation.

Use the EasySBC Player Database to compare players by role, playstyles and attributes before building your squad.

Browse the best players for every role in the EasySBC Player Database.

Tips for Using the 4-2-1-3

Do not force the first pass after winning possession. Use the CDMs to secure the ball before looking towards the CAM or Wingers.

Once you escape the initial pressure, attack quickly. The setup works best when the CAM receives the ball facing forward with runners ahead.

Defend primarily with the two CDMs rather than pulling a centre-back out of position. You should also alternate between the two wings, as each wide player offers a different type of movement.

💡 Pro Tip: Look for the CAM immediately after recovering possession, and look for runs straight away. If they are marked, use the Deep-Lying Playmaker to switch the attack towards the wide winger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 4-2-1-3 good in FC 26?

Yes. It offers strong defensive protection through the two CDMs while keeping four players available in advanced positions.

Is the 4-2-1-3 still ratty in FC 26?

It can still feel ratty because it is difficult to play through centrally and always carries a threat on the counter.

However, this setup also requires controlled passing and good decision-making rather than relying only on sitting deep and forcing long balls.

Why use Short Passing for counter-attacking tactics?

Short Passing helps you escape pressure without giving the ball away.

Once you have created space, you can accelerate the attack through the CAM and front three.

Which position is most important?

The CAM is vital because they connect the midfield and attack.

The Deep-Lying Playmaker is also important for starting counter-attacks from deeper positions.

How To Build A Meta Squad For This Tactic

Once you've decided to usethis tactic, the next step is building a squad that fits the system.

Prioritise players that naturally suit each role. Even on a smaller budget, choosing players that fit the tactic usually has a bigger impact than simply buying the highest rated or most expensive cards.

You can use the EasySBC Squad Builder to help put together a squad around this setup and import the tactics code directly. The tactic can be imported by applying tactics code @ZbDn$vHJ9bf

Build your squad with this tactic here.

Final Verdict

These FC 26 4-2-1-3 custom tactics are ideal for players who want defensive security without losing their threat on the counter.

The formation keeps some of the “ratty” qualities that made it so effective in FC 25, with two CDMs protecting the defence and three attackers ready to break forward.

Short Passing keeps the first stage of the build-up controlled, while the CAM, winger, inside forward and poacher allow you to become direct as soon as space appears.

This community-created setup is a strong option for players looking for a balanced counter-attacking formation in Division Rivals and Champions.

Watch the Full 4-2-1-3 Tactics Guide

WATCH THE 4-2-1-3 TACTICS VIDEO

Our video gives you a clearer look at the setup in action and shows how to use its short-passing build-up to create fast counter-attacks.