EA Sports FC 26 launched globally on September 26th, and players are eager to experience the game. During their time playing, many players have asked how to defend better in FC FUT 26. This article will provide a detailed defensive strategy covering key areas such as offside traps, player switching, tackles, and tactical fouls.

Effective Offside Trap

One important thing to know about offside traps is that they can only be used when the opponent is not facing the goal.

To give an example of an effective offside trap, when your player is in a bad situation with the ball, you can set an offside trap when he passes the ball back to another player. Your central defender needs to step forward to defend, thus making your opponent offside and helping you avoid losing the ball.

Everyone probably has defensive issues, so a side kickoff might be a good option for you.This doesn't mean you won't lose the ball, but it does make the game a little easier.

If your opponent is running forward from the start of the kickoff, you can set up an offside trap. Then you can see that the opposing striker is offside at a certain moment, and at that moment, he has nowhere to go, so keep pressing him, and then your players will be able to use these offside traps to easily win the ball back.

If your opponent has the ball with your player, pay attention to the position of the opposing running back and prevent him from passing the ball directly to his own running back. At this time, set an offside trap so that he has no passing options. As long as he passes to his own running back at a bad time, your left guard can intercept the ball.

For another example, on a kickoff, using the offside trap can cause the opposing forward to be offside. This offside trap puts my players in their proper positions, eliminating any danger on the kickoff.

The offside trap is a crucial element in defense, and you need to practice it to master it. If you want to play better, you can spend FC 26 coins to get some star players who can better execute the offside trap and help you win the game.

Smooth Player Transitions

The difference between pros and amateurs in FIFA 26 defense lies in the ability to smoothly and correctly execute player transitions. If you still only use L1 or use it to change positions most of the time, you should try switching with the right analog stick.

Although 100% right-stick switching may be difficult, practice is essential. When the opponent has the ball for extended periods, try to position each player in the correct passing lane to prevent them from attacking.

Using the right stick to switch players during this process will help you quickly position each player in the correct position, ultimately leading to victory.

Thus, effectively utilizing the right stick control inputs to ensure smooth player switching is crucial. This will improve your defensive control and help you become a high-level player.

Timing Your Tackle

FC FIFA 26 is very different from previous years when it comes to tackling. In previous games, you could make a ton of tackles, and even if you missed, it didn't matter, your player wouldn't be gone, and you still had time to recover. This year, however, the game has changed that.

Let me give you a few examples of great tackles. When the opponent is vying for the ball with Ronaldinho, watch for the right moment and press the circle button on your controller input to win the ball with Moisés Caicedo.

When the opponent has the ball with Gravenberch, you can tackle with Udogie, and the ball will be back at your feet.

One tricky situation, however, is when the opponent has the ball with R9. This is particularly difficult to defend, requiring patience, defensive play with Janssen, and optimal timing to recover the ball.

Another best correct example is when you failed to make a tackle with Caicedo and missed the opportunity again, and made a mistake when trying to make a tackle with Janssen. Now you still have one chance to steal the ball, otherwise the opponent will score. Stay calm and use Ndicka to observe the good tackle opportunity, so that you can steal the ball.

Of course, there are also bad examples. When the opponent is R9, you use Llorente to make a tackle, but the timing is wrong, causing Llorente to be gone; when the opponent uses Weir to dribble, you use Janssen to make a tackle and it will also fail, and you will be completely tackled. Through these failures and successes, you'll understand the importance of timing when making a tackle.

Use Tactical Fouls Wisely

Although you may feel uncomfortable with it, there are times when you should use tactical fouls to trigger an emergency stop. This is crucial; it can help you avoid conceding the ball on a counterattack or when you're in a one-on-one duel with the opponent.

To do this, press R1 and X buttons simultaneously to bring down your opponent in a one-on-one situation. This will earn you a red card and trigger a tactical foul. You can also use this defensive method when you want to avoid conceding the ball on a counterattack.

Difference Between Tactical Defending And Advanced Defending

Some players may be confused about the difference between tactical defending and advanced defending. Although they have similar names, they differ in FIFA FUT 26. 

Advanced defending allows you to freely choose the type of tackle you want. The circle button allows you to stand up and X button allows you to block with your shoulder. Tactical defending, on the other hand, is more passive.

For example, if you with Ola Aina, your opponent reaches the back line and you're standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them, you're playing Advanced Defending, as you can press X button to win the ball.

Tactical defending allows you to control the timing of your tackle and maintain your position. When you press the circle button, the game will decide whether to make a standing tackle or a physical tackle based on the player's position. You don't have a choice, the game automatically determines your actions. However, there's no clear superiority between tactical defending and advanced defending.

Practice these techniques well, and one day, you'll shine like other pros in EA FC 26 with these excellent operations.