FC 26 Controls
All 148 inputs from the game's Basic Controls screens, set pieces included, drawn as Xbox buttons, each with a short note on what it does and when to use it. They follow the Classic preset; Be a Pro controls and the Alternate and One or Two Button schemes are not covered. Pick a section to see only that one.
- +
- together
- then
- one after another
- or
- either works
- hold
- keep it held
- tap
- a quick press
- ×2
- press twice
- release
- let go
- flick
- flick the stick
- stick direction
- rotate the stick
Updated
Essentials
The inputs you use in every match. Learn these first, then add the rest.
Ground Pass / Header
Plays the ball along the grass to a nearby teammate, or passes a header on when the ball arrives in the air.
Tip: FC 26 ground passes travel straighter with less automatic curve, so aim clear of any defender standing in the line.
Press ALob Pass / Cross / Header
Lifts the ball in a high arc to a teammate further away, and doubles as the cross from wide and a lofted header.
Tip: FC 26 crosses are aimed further ahead of the target, so deliver them while your attacker is still running at goal.
Press XThrough Pass
Plays the ball into space ahead of a running teammate so they collect it behind the defenders.
Tip: With semi-assisted passing, aim into the gap between two defenders so the pass finds the runner behind them.
Press YShoot / Volley / Header
Strikes at goal with the laces, or volleys or heads it when the ball is in the air; the power bar sets how hard.
Tip: Two to three bars of power is a reliable range; a shot with no clear lane to goal is likely to be blocked.
Press BFinesse Shot
Curls the ball with the inside of the foot, trading pace for placement, usually toward the far corner.
Tip: Works best from an angle to the goal; forced under pressure in a crowded box, it tends to get blocked.
Press RB + press BProtect Ball
Keeps the player's body between the ball and the nearest opponent to hold possession, including while receiving.
Tip: Holding it before a pass arrives improves the first touch at the cost of speed; the earlier you hold, the more control.
Hold LTDriven Ground Pass
Plays a firmer, faster pass along the grass that moves the ball quickly under pressure, but is harder to control.
Tip: When attacking down a wing, a firm pass along the ground into the penalty area is a strong option.
Press RB + press ALobbed Through Pass
Sends a high, arcing through ball over the defensive line for a runner to chase in behind.
Press LB + press YSprint
Runs at full speed, with or without the ball, to break into space or chase down a run.
Tip: Holding sprint as a loose ball drops makes the player accelerate straight toward where they can reach it.
Hold RT + move LSShield / Jockey
With the ball, puts the body between it and the defender; without it, jockeys to stay goal-side of the attacker.
Tip: Players with high Strength and Aggression are generally better at shielding the ball.
Hold LT + move LSChange Player
Moves control to the next defender the game selects, so you can react as the ball moves past your player.
Tip: Next Player Switching in settings can favor the defender goal side or closest to the ball; pick what suits you.
Press LB
Basic Controls
Attacking - Simple
Passing, shooting and the fakes built on them.
Ground Pass / Header
Plays the ball along the grass to a nearby teammate, or passes a header on when the ball arrives in the air.
Tip: FC 26 ground passes travel straighter with less automatic curve, so aim clear of any defender standing in the line.
Press ALob Pass / Cross / Header
Lifts the ball in a high arc to a teammate further away, and doubles as the cross from wide and a lofted header.
Tip: FC 26 crosses are aimed further ahead of the target, so deliver them while your attacker is still running at goal.
Press XThrough Pass
Plays the ball into space ahead of a running teammate so they collect it behind the defenders.
Tip: With semi-assisted passing, aim into the gap between two defenders so the pass finds the runner behind them.
Press YShoot / Volley / Header
Strikes at goal with the laces, or volleys or heads it when the ball is in the air; the power bar sets how hard.
Tip: Two to three bars of power is a reliable range; a shot with no clear lane to goal is likely to be blocked.
Press BLow Driven Shot
Keeps a normal strike low and hard along the grass, useful for beating a goalkeeper at close range.
Tip: Best inside the box and on cutbacks; from long range or a wide angle, a finesse or power shot has a better chance.
Press B + press B (after power up)Chip Shot
Lifts the ball over a goalkeeper who has come off their line, usually from close range.
Tip: Title Update 1.5.0 made chips more accurate and less likely to drift wide, so use them when the keeper rushes out.
Press LB + press BFinesse Shot
Curls the ball with the inside of the foot, trading pace for placement, usually toward the far corner.
Tip: Works best from an angle to the goal; forced under pressure in a crowded box, it tends to get blocked.
Press RB + press BLow Driven Finesse Shot
Adds the low driven modifier to a finesse shot, so the placed, curling effort stays close to the ground.
Press RB + press B + press B (after power up)Power Shot
Hits the ball as hard as possible for pace from distance, at the cost of a longer wind-up than a normal shot.
Tip: Make space before you start it, as the long wind-up leaves time for a block; Power Shot PlayStyles add accuracy.
Press LB + press RB + press BLow Driven Power Shot
Keeps a power shot low along the ground, combining full pace with a flatter path toward goal.
Tip: It keeps the power shot's long wind-up, so it needs the same space around you before you strike.
Press LB + press RB + press B + press B (after power up)Fake Shot
Shapes to shoot, then cancels the kick and takes the ball in the direction you hold, sending a blocker the wrong way.
Tip: Hold a direction away from where the player is facing; the sudden change of direction is what beats the defender.
Press B, then press A + move LSFake Pass
Shapes to play a lob pass or cross, then cancels it and carries the ball in the direction you hold instead.
Press X, then press A + move LSFake Shot to Shot
Fakes a shot or cross with no direction held, so the player stops on the ball instead of turning away.
Tip: FC 26 made this stop flow into a dribble more quickly, so be ready to move off again straight away.
Press X or press B + press A, then no direction on LSDriven Through Pass
Sends a quicker, flatter through ball into space than the standard version, giving defenders less time to react.
Press LB + press RB + press YRewind and Try Again
Kick Off only
Pauses a Kick Off match and rewinds play so you can replay a moment, such as a missed chance, and try again.
Tip: It cannot rewind past injuries, substitutions, penalties or bookings, or back into an earlier half.
Press LT + press RT + press Menu
Basic Controls
Attacking - Advanced
Driven and lofted passes, crosses, flair, runs and precision passing.
Protect Ball
Keeps the player's body between the ball and the nearest opponent to hold possession, including while receiving.
Tip: Holding it before a pass arrives improves the first touch at the cost of speed; the earlier you hold, the more control.
Hold LTDriven Ground Pass
Plays a firmer, faster pass along the grass that moves the ball quickly under pressure, but is harder to control.
Tip: When attacking down a wing, a firm pass along the ground into the penalty area is a strong option.
Press RB + press ALofted Ground Pass
Chips a pass at medium height over a defender in the way, useful when the ground route is blocked.
Tip: Lofted passes lost accuracy in Title Update 1.5.0; players with the Inventive PlayStyle lose less of it.
Press A + press ALofted Through Pass
Lifts a through ball over nearby defenders into space for a runner, harder to intercept than one along the ground.
Tip: Suits short distances, like a playmaker finding a striker just behind the back line.
Press Y + press YLobbed Through Pass
Sends a high, arcing through ball over the defensive line for a runner to chase in behind.
Press LB + press YDriven Lob Pass / Driven Cross
Plays a faster, flatter lob or cross that reaches the target sooner than a floated ball, good for short crosses.
Press LB + press RB + press XHigh Lob
Sends a steeper, higher lob or cross that stays in the air longer than the standard version.
Tip: The extra hang time gives attackers a chance to set up acrobatic finishes such as bicycle kicks.
Press LB + press XGround Cross
Plays a low cross that stays near the grass and bends into the penalty area toward an attacker's feet.
Press X + press XDriven Ground Cross
Drives a low cross in at pace, giving defenders and the goalkeeper less time to cut it out.
Press LB + press RB + press X + press XTrigger Run
Sends a teammate on a forward run, so you can play the ball into the space they are attacking.
Tip: To choose the angle of the run yourself instead of leaving it to the teammate, use Directional Runs.
Press LBCall for Support
Calls a nearby teammate toward the ball carrier to offer a short passing option.
Press RBDouble Teammate Support
Calls two teammates toward the ball carrier at once, giving you more close passing options.
Press RB + press RBDummy a Pass
Lets an incoming pass run past the player to a teammate behind, fooling a defender who expects a touch.
Tip: Only works if the defender commits to the first receiver and the pass is rolling toward a teammate, ideally toward goal.
No direction on LS + hold RBFlair Pass / Swerve
Plays an inventive pass, such as a back-heel, and adds swerve to bend the ball around a defender.
Tip: Flair passes hit with more than two bars of power can still swerve toward the receiver.
Press LT + press AFlair Shot / Outside the Foot
Shoots with the outside of the foot, a trivela, bending the ball the opposite way to a normal curling shot.
Tip: In FC 26 only players with the Gamechanger PlayStyle can hit a trivela; anyone else takes a normal laces shot.
Press LT + press BFlair Lob / Cross
Plays a lob or cross with a flair technique, sending the ball up at a higher angle than the standard lob.
Press LT + press XFlair Through / Swerve
Plays a through ball with a flair technique and swerve, useful for finding a run from an awkward body angle.
Press LT + press YLet Ball Run
Leaves an incoming pass untouched so it keeps rolling past the player, who moves away from the ball.
Tip: Since FC 25 the move starts as soon as you input it rather than when the ball arrives, so you can commit early.
Hold RB + move LS away from the ballFlick Up
Flicks the ball up into the air with a touch, setting the player up for a volley.
Tip: Repeated flick ups in a row become less effective, and acrobatic shots straight after a flick lost accuracy in FC 26.
Hold RS in any directionDisguised First Touch
Receives the ball with a deceptive touch that hides which way the player will go, to unsettle a close marker.
Hold LB + press RB + move LS towards the ballPass and Go
Passes the ball and sends the passer straight on a forward run, setting up a quick one-two.
Tip: Pair it with a through pass from the receiver to play the passer into the space they are running into.
Press LB + press APass and Move
Plays a pass, then moves the passer in the direction you hold, so they reposition instead of standing still.
Press A or press Y or press X + hold RS in any directionDirectional Runs
Sends a teammate on a run in the direction you choose, rather than leaving the route of the run to the AI.
Tip: First-time through balls aimed far behind the way the passer is facing are much less accurate in FC 26.
Press LB + flick RS in any direction or press RB + flick RS in any directionPlayer Lock
Locks your control onto an off-the-ball teammate while the AI handles the ball carrier, so you steer the run yourself.
Tip: Player Lock is off by default; turn it on in the gameplay settings before this input does anything.
Move LS + move RSSwitching (Player Lock)
Picks which teammate to lock onto by flicking toward them, moving your control from the ball carrier to that player.
Tip: Avoid flicking the instant you activate the lock; rushing it is an easy way to pick the wrong teammate.
Flick RS in any directionHard Super Cancel
Cancels the action in progress, such as a shot or pass wind-up or an automatic run to the ball, and gives you full control.
Press LB + press RB + press LT + press RTCancel Foul Advantage
Stops play after a foul when the referee has waved advantage, so you take the free kick instead of playing on.
Press LT + press RTShield Step In / Push Back
Steps the player's body into a nearby opponent to hold them off and protect the ball.
Press LTPrecision Pass
Aims the pass at a spot you choose with an on-screen target, for passes to feet or through balls into tight gaps.
Tip: Aiming the target takes time, so save it for balls down the wing or into the box rather than quick build-up play.
Press RB + press YPrecision Swerve Ground Pass
Bends a manually aimed pass along the ground around defenders and into the path of a runner.
Press LT + press RB + press YPrecision Lob Pass
Lifts a manually aimed pass over defenders to the exact spot you choose with the on-screen target.
Tip: Precise aim helps, but it does not fully make up for a passer with low passing attributes.
Press RB + press X
Basic Controls
Movement
Running, shielding and first touches.
Move Player
Moves your controlled player around the pitch and dribbles the ball in the direction you point.
Tip: FC 26 sped up jog dribbling, so carrying the ball without sprinting covers ground faster than in past games.
Move LSSprint
Runs at full speed, with or without the ball, to break into space or chase down a run.
Tip: Holding sprint as a loose ball drops makes the player accelerate straight toward where they can reach it.
Hold RT + move LSShield / Jockey
With the ball, puts the body between it and the defender; without it, jockeys to stay goal-side of the attacker.
Tip: Players with high Strength and Aggression are generally better at shielding the ball.
Hold LT + move LSFirst Touch / Knock-On
Pushes the ball well ahead with the first touch so the player can sprint onto it into open space.
Tip: Only use it with space ahead; in a crowded midfield the long touch often hands the ball to an opponent.
Press RT + flick RS in any direction (twice, then hold the direction)Controlled First Touch / Effort Touch
Takes a sharp touch in the chosen direction as the ball arrives, quicker than a normal touch but safer than a knock-on.
Tip: Works well when a defender is rushing in and you have a little room to take the ball away from them.
Press RB + flick RS in any direction or hold RS in any directionStop and Face Goal
Stops the player and turns them to face the opponent's goal, ready for a shot or a forward pass.
No direction on LS + press LBStrafe Dribble
Dribbles sideways with the body kept facing the goal, so you can hold the ball close and look for a pass.
Tip: It is slow, so use it to keep the ball while a passing option opens up, not to beat a defender for pace.
Press LB + move LSControlled Sprint
Runs faster than a normal dribble while keeping the ball close, trading top speed for control.
Tip: Starting in a controlled sprint and then bursting into a full sprint can catch a defender off guard.
Press RBStop Ball
Brings the ball to a dead stop under the player's feet, halting the run so you can reset.
No direction on LS + press RTJostle
Ball in the air
Uses the body to battle an opponent for position as a high ball drops, to win it or make room for a header.
Tip: It works best when you are in front of the opponent, and the stronger player gains more from the contest.
Press LTSkill Moves
Performs tricks such as step-overs and feints to beat a defender; which moves work depends on the player's star rating.
Tip: If the inputs feel hard, the Simplified Skill Moves accessibility setting chooses a fitting move from a single flick.
Move RS
Basic Controls
Tactics
D-pad shortcuts for tactics, team focus and substitutions.
Quick Tactics
Opens a shortcut menu of one-off team instructions you can use mid-match without pausing.
Tip: Offside Trap and Team Press only work without the ball, and Get in Box only with it.
Press D-pad UpOffside Trap
Steps your back line up together in one quick push to catch runners offside before a through ball.
Tip: Near your own box, pair it with a partial team press to lift the line while the midfield stays compact.
Press D-pad Up, then press D-pad UpTeam Press
Sends your AI teammates after the ball with heavy pressure for a short spell to force a turnover.
Tip: Lasts up to 20 seconds or until you win the ball, then needs 100 seconds to recharge, so save it for key moments.
Press D-pad Up, then press D-pad LeftExtra Striker
Pushes a defender forward as an extra attacker, for the closing minutes when you need a goal.
Tip: It leaves one defender fewer at the back, so a quick counterattack can punish it.
Press D-pad Up, then press D-pad RightGet in Box
Pushes more teammates into the penalty area so there are extra targets when you cross.
Tip: Works only while you have the ball, so call it as you move into a crossing position.
Press D-pad Up, then press D-pad DownTactical Focus
Opens a menu that tilts your current setup toward attack or defense without changing the formation.
Tip: Each shift moves build-up and defensive approach by one level, so treat it as a nudge rather than a new tactic.
Press D-pad RightDefault
Tactical Focus
Returns build-up and defensive approach to your original tactic's settings, undoing any attacking or defending focus.
Press D-pad Right, then press D-pad UpDefending
Tactical Focus
Lowers build-up and defensive approach one level each and shifts roles defensively, so the team sits deeper.
Press D-pad Right, then press D-pad LeftAttacking
Tactical Focus
Raises build-up and defensive approach one level each and shifts roles forward, so the team presses higher.
Press D-pad Right, then press D-pad RightMy Tactics
Opens your saved custom tactics so you can swap to another formation and set of instructions mid-match.
Tip: A tactic change takes a moment to settle on the pitch and goes through faster when the ball is out of play.
Press D-pad LeftCustom Tactic 1
Switches to the first custom tactic you saved, with its own formation, roles and instructions.
Tip: The lineup stays the same across your custom tactics, so check your players suit the new formation.
Press D-pad Left, then press D-pad UpCustom Tactic 2
Switches to the second custom tactic you saved, with its own formation, roles and instructions.
Press D-pad Left, then press D-pad LeftCustom Tactic 3
Switches to the third custom tactic you saved, with its own formation, roles and instructions.
Press D-pad Left, then press D-pad RightCustom Tactic 4
Switches to the fourth custom tactic you saved, with its own formation, roles and instructions.
Press D-pad Left, then press D-pad DownTactical Suggestions
Opens tactic ideas the game picks from the score, time, red cards and how the match is going.
Tip: Accepting a suggestion in FC 26 keeps your formation, so it changes how the team plays, not its shape.
Press D-pad DownTactic Suggestion 1
Applies the first tactic the game suggests for the match state, such as Tiki-Taka, Counter Attack or Park the Bus.
Press D-pad Down, then press D-pad UpTactic Suggestion 2
Applies the second suggested tactic, an alternative approach for the same match situation.
Press D-pad Down, then press D-pad LeftTactic / Focus Suggestion
Applies the third suggestion, which is either a tactical focus change or one more suggested tactic.
Press D-pad Down, then press D-pad RightSubstitution
Opens a quick menu of up to four substitution options so you can change players without pausing.
Press D-pad Down, then press D-pad Down
Basic Controls
Defending
Tackles, containing, switching players and goalkeeper rushes.
Change Player
Moves control to the next defender the game selects, so you can react as the ball moves past your player.
Tip: Next Player Switching in settings can favor the defender goal side or closest to the ball; pick what suits you.
Press LBChange Player (Manual)
Picks the teammate in the direction you flick, for when the automatic choice is not the defender you want.
Tip: Settings offer Classic, Player Rotation and Adaptive versions of this switching, so try the one that feels predictable.
Move RSIcon Switching
Displays switching icons over nearby teammates, showing which player each direction will select.
Press RSTackle / Push or Pull
Push or pull when chasing
Lunges in with a standing tackle to win the ball, or pushes and pulls the attacker when you are chasing.
Tip: Time it when squared up and the dribbler comes at you; FC 26 adds a consistent recovery delay after a missed tackle.
Press BHard Tackle
Makes a more aggressive standing challenge than a normal tackle, with a higher risk of a foul.
Press RB + press BProfessional Foul
Deliberately brings the attacker down to stop a dangerous break, at the cost of a free kick and a possible card.
Tip: Use it in midfield to kill a counter; inside your own box it gives away a penalty.
Press RB + press ASliding Tackle
Goes to ground to knock the ball away or block a pass or shot that a standing tackle cannot reach.
Tip: Best when the attacker pushes the ball too far ahead; from behind or in your own box it risks cards and penalties.
Press XHard Slide Tackle
Throws in a more aggressive slide than the standard one, raising the risk of a foul or card.
Press RB + press XClearance
Kicks the ball away from your goal when a loose ball or cross arrives, trading possession for safety.
Tip: Auto Clearances is on by default in FC 26 settings, so defenders may also clear on their own when it fits.
Press BTechnical Clearance
Clears with a more controlled strike than the standard clearance, for when you want some direction on the ball.
Press RB + press BShoulder Challenge / Sealout
Barges a dribbler off the ball when you run alongside, or seals them away by getting between them and the ball.
Tip: Strength matters: since Title Update 1.4.0 a much weaker player is more likely to stumble in these duels.
Press BContain
Technical and Legacy Defending
Moves your defender automatically toward the ball carrier to close them down without committing to a tackle.
Tip: Use it to approach, then release and jockey once close so you keep manual control of the duel.
Hold APhysical Tackle
Advanced Defending
Uses the body instead of a lunge, putting a shoulder into the attacker to take the ball.
Tip: Works best when you are side by side with the attacker, and it rarely gives away a foul.
Hold ATeammate Contain
Sends the AI teammate nearest the ball to press the dribbler while you control another defender.
Tip: Pressing players tire and cannot be called again for a while, and pulling one out of position frees a runner.
Hold RBPartial Team Press
Has the two teammates nearest the ball close passing lanes and cover runs rather than chase the ball carrier.
Tip: Use it for a few seconds after a pass rather than holding it, so your team does not overcommit.
Press RB + hold RBSprint Jockey
Keeps the jockey stance while running, so you can stay square to a fast dribbler or a player on the run.
Tip: Expect less agility than a normal jockey, so a sharp change of direction can still beat you.
Hold LT + hold RTQuick Get Up
After a slide tackle
Gets your player back on their feet faster after a slide tackle so they can rejoin play sooner.
Press XEngage Shielding Opponent
Steps your jockeying defender into a dribbler who is shielding the ball, to challenge instead of waiting behind.
Tip: Since Title Update 1.4.0, players with high Strength and Aggression shield better, so expect a harder duel with them.
Press LT + move LS towards the shielding dribblerRush Goalkeeper Out
Brings your goalkeeper off the line toward the ball carrier to narrow the angle and cut their time to shoot.
Tip: Coming out too far leaves the goal open to a chip, so advance early and stop rather than charging all the way.
Hold YGoalkeeper Rush to Contain
Brings the goalkeeper out to confront the ball carrier and keep closing them down, much like a defender containing.
Press Y + hold YGoalkeeper Rush to Center
Rushes the goalkeeper toward a central position to reset their positioning quickly.
Tip: Since the Holiday Update it no longer works in open play and can only be used during set pieces.
Press Y + press YGoalkeeper Rush to Center Cancel
Calls off a rush to center, stopping the goalkeeper before they move further out of position.
Press Y
Basic Controls
Goalkeeper
Distribution and positioning when you control the keeper.
Drop Kick
Kicks the ball out of the hands for distance, to clear danger or switch play upfield quickly.
Tip: It travels further than a throw but is less accurate, so throw instead when a nearby teammate is free.
Press B or press XThrow / Pass
Throws the ball to a nearby teammate, the accurate and quick way to keep possession from the back.
Tip: A quick throw to a full-back is the safe first option, but its range is shorter than a kick.
Press ADrop Ball
Puts the ball down at the goalkeeper's feet so they can dribble or pass it along the ground.
Press YPick Up Ball
Picks the ball back up into the goalkeeper's hands after dropping it, ready for a throw or kick.
Press RBDriven Throw
Throws the ball harder and flatter than a standard throw, reaching a teammate faster to start a quick attack.
Press RB + press ADriven Kick
Strikes a low, fast kick from the hands to find a teammate further upfield than a throw can reach.
Press RB + press XMove Goalkeeper
Takes manual control of the goalkeeper's position so you can shuffle across or step out to cut the angle.
Tip: The Holiday Update greatly reduced how fast and far it moves in open play, so make small, early adjustments.
Hold RS + move RSGK Cover Far Post
Shifts the goalkeeper toward the far post to guard against a shot aimed across goal.
Hold RSSwitch Camera
Goalkeeper only
Changes the camera view while you control the goalkeeper, for a clearer look at play in front of goal.
Press View
Set Pieces
Free Kicks
Aiming, the wall and the goalkeeper.
Aim
Sets the direction of the free kick, whether you are shooting past the wall or picking out a teammate.
Tip: For a curled shot, aim just past the wall player nearest the keeper with about three to three and a half bars.
Move LSReticle Aim
Moves the contact point on the ball, which sets the spin and how the shot curls or dips.
Tip: Striking the side of the ball turns the shot into an inside or outside foot curler, so check the shot type first.
Move RSGround Pass
Plays the free kick short along the ground to a teammate instead of shooting.
Press ALob Pass / Cross
Lifts the free kick into the air as a cross into the box or a lofted pass to a teammate.
Press XWall Jump
Makes your defensive wall jump to block a free kick aimed over the top.
Tip: Attackers can aim low under a jumping wall, so do not jump on every kick.
Press YWall Charge
Moves your wall forward toward the kicker to close the gap and block the shot earlier.
Tip: Charging too early can get your players warned or even booked by the referee.
Press AMove Wall
Shifts the whole wall sideways to cover the side of the goal you think the kick is aimed at.
Press LT or press RTSelect Kick Taker
Picks which player takes the free kick, so your best dead-ball specialist is on the ball.
Tip: Choose a player with the Dead Ball PlayStyle and high free kick accuracy; a left-footer suits kicks from the left.
Press RTAdd Kick Taker
Brings another player to stand over the ball, giving you a second option to shoot, pass or dummy.
Press RB or press LTMove Goalkeeper
Nudges your goalkeeper left or right before the kick to cover the side of the goal the wall leaves open.
Press X or press B
Set Pieces
Free Kicks - Advanced
Calling and using a second or third kick taker.
Call 2nd Kick Taker
Brings a second player to the ball so the defense cannot tell who will take the kick or how.
Tip: With two takers you can shoot with either, lay the ball off, chip it up or run one over the ball as a decoy.
Press LT2nd Kick Taker Shot
Lets the second taker strike the free kick instead of the first, using their foot and angle for the shot.
Press LT + press B2nd Kick Taker Layoff Pass
Lays the ball off along the ground to the second taker, who shoots from a fresh angle.
Press LT + press A2nd Kick Taker Lob
Chips the ball up for the second taker to hit on the volley instead of striking a dead ball.
Press LT + press X2nd Kick Taker Run Over Ball
Has the second taker fake a shot and run over the ball, so another taker can strike once the decoy is done.
Press LT + press B, then press ACall 3rd Kick Taker
Adds a third player at the ball, giving you one more shooter or decoy for the free kick.
Press RB3rd Kick Taker Shot
Has the third taker shoot instead of the others, adding a third foot and angle to choose from.
Press RB + press B3rd Kick Taker Run Over Ball
Has the third taker fake a shot and run over the ball, one more decoy before a teammate strikes.
Press RB + press B, then press ACo-op Change Set Piece User
Passes control of the set piece to another co-op player on your side before the kick is taken.
Move LS + move RS
Set Pieces
Corners & Throw-ins
Deliveries, called runs and throw-in options.
Corners - Lob Cross
Floats the corner into the box for teammates to attack in the air.
Tip: About one and a half to two bars suits the near post, while three to three and a half reaches the far post.
Press XCorners - Pass
Plays the corner short along the ground to a nearby teammate instead of crossing it in.
Tip: Call a teammate over first so the pass has a close target, then cross or lay it back once they receive.
Press AAim Kick
Sets where the corner is aimed, such as the near post, far post or penalty spot.
Move LSReticle Aim
Moves the target marker for the delivery, where a lower spot gives a flatter cross and a higher one a lofted ball.
Move RSDisplay Corner Tactics
Opens the menu of called runs, so you can send a teammate to a chosen area before the corner is taken.
Tip: FC 26 also lets you set corner roles such as Near Post, Back Post and Top of Box in your set piece assignments.
Press D-pad UpRun Far Post
Sends a teammate to attack the back post, a target for a longer cross over the defenders.
Tip: Put your best header on the back post and give the cross about three to three and a half bars of power.
Press D-pad Up, then press D-pad UpEdge of Box Run
Pulls a teammate to the top of the penalty area, ready for a ball played back out for a shot.
Tip: Pick them out with a low, two-bar delivery aimed away from the crowded goalmouth.
Press D-pad Up, then press D-pad LeftCrowd the Goalkeeper
Sends a teammate to stand near the goalkeeper, crowding their space as they try to deal with the cross.
Press D-pad Up, then press D-pad RightRun Near Post
Sends a teammate to attack the near post for a quick header or flick-on in front of the defenders.
Tip: Aim just in front of the near post with about one and a half to two bars for a low, fast ball.
Press D-pad Up, then press D-pad DownMove Along Line
Throw-in
Walks the thrower up or down the touchline before the throw to find a better angle.
Move LSShort Throw-in
Throws the ball low and short to a nearby teammate, the safe way to keep possession.
Tip: FC 26 lets you set a left and a right throw-in taker in your team's set piece assignments.
Press AShort Throw-in (Manual)
Throws into space ahead of a teammate instead of to their feet, so they can run onto it down the wing.
Press YLong Throw-in
Throws the ball high and further up the pitch, reaching teammates beyond the nearest markers.
Tip: Hold longer for more distance; a player with the Long Throw PlayStyle reaches much further up the pitch.
Hold X or hold AFake Throw
Fakes the throw so a tight marker commits, then lets you throw to a teammate left in space.
Press X + press A or press A + press X
Set Pieces
Penalties
Taking a penalty, and trying to save one.
Aim
Picks where the penalty goes, from either corner to straight down the middle.
Tip: The corners are hardest to save, and not aiming at all sends the shot down the middle.
Move LSShoot
Strikes the penalty, timed against a circle around the ball that shrinks and grows with the taker's composure.
Tip: Shoot when the circle is small but not red, and keep power near 90 percent so the ball stays on target.
Press BFinesse Shot
Curls the penalty toward the corner with a placed strike instead of relying on raw power.
Press RB + press BChip Shot
Chips the penalty softly, usually down the middle, to beat a goalkeeper who dives early.
Press LB + press BSelect Kick Taker
Chooses which player steps up to take the penalty.
Tip: Pick someone with high penalties, composure and shot power for an easier circle to time and a faster shot.
Press RTGoalkeeper Move Side to Side
Shuffles your goalkeeper along the line before the kick, a mind game to make the taker second-guess.
Tip: A small step toward your chosen side just before diving improves reach, especially for top corners.
Move LSGoalkeeper Dive
Dives the goalkeeper toward the zone you pick, guessing where the penalty is going.
Tip: Flick as the taker's foot meets the ball; too early and the keeper commits, too late and the ball is past.
Move RSGoalkeeper Gestures
Plays a gesture or taunt on the line to distract the taker before the penalty.
Press A or press B or press X or press Y