FC Playbook

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 A
  • Lob 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 X
  • Through 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 Y
  • Shoot / 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 B
  • Finesse 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 B
  • 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 LT
  • Driven 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 A
  • Lobbed Through Pass

    Sends a high, arcing through ball over the defensive line for a runner to chase in behind.

    Press LB + press Y
  • Sprint

    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 LS
  • Shield / 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 LS
  • 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 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 A
  • Lob 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 X
  • Through 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 Y
  • Shoot / 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 B
  • Low 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 B
  • Finesse 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 B
  • Low 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 B
  • Low 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 LS
  • Fake 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 LS
  • Fake 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 LS
  • Driven 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 Y
  • Rewind 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 LT
  • Driven 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 A
  • Lofted 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 A
  • Lofted 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 Y
  • Lobbed Through Pass

    Sends a high, arcing through ball over the defensive line for a runner to chase in behind.

    Press LB + press Y
  • Driven 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 X
  • High 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 X
  • Ground Cross

    Plays a low cross that stays near the grass and bends into the penalty area toward an attacker's feet.

    Press X + press X
  • Driven 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 X
  • Trigger 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 LB
  • Call for Support

    Calls a nearby teammate toward the ball carrier to offer a short passing option.

    Press RB
  • Double Teammate Support

    Calls two teammates toward the ball carrier at once, giving you more close passing options.

    Press RB + press RB
  • Dummy 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 RB
  • Flair 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 A
  • Flair 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 B
  • Flair 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 X
  • Flair 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 Y
  • Let 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 ball
  • Flick 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 direction
  • Disguised 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 ball
  • Pass 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 A
  • Pass 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 direction
  • Directional 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 direction
  • Player 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 RS
  • Switching (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 direction
  • Hard 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 RT
  • Cancel 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 RT
  • Shield Step In / Push Back

    Steps the player's body into a nearby opponent to hold them off and protect the ball.

    Press LT
  • Precision 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 Y
  • Precision 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 Y
  • Precision 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 LS
  • Sprint

    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 LS
  • Shield / 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 LS
  • First 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 direction
  • Stop 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 LB
  • Strafe 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 LS
  • Controlled 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 RB
  • Stop 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 RT
  • Jostle

    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 LT
  • Skill 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 Up
  • Offside 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 Up
  • Team 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 Left
  • Extra 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 Right
  • Get 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 Down
  • Tactical 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 Right
  • Default

    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 Up
  • Defending

    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 Left
  • Attacking

    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 Right
  • My 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 Left
  • Custom 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 Up
  • Custom 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 Left
  • Custom 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 Right
  • Custom 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 Down
  • Tactical 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 Down
  • Tactic 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 Up
  • Tactic Suggestion 2

    Applies the second suggested tactic, an alternative approach for the same match situation.

    Press D-pad Down, then press D-pad Left
  • Tactic / 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 Right
  • Substitution

    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 LB
  • Change 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 RS
  • Icon Switching

    Displays switching icons over nearby teammates, showing which player each direction will select.

    Press RS
  • Tackle / 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 B
  • Hard Tackle

    Makes a more aggressive standing challenge than a normal tackle, with a higher risk of a foul.

    Press RB + press B
  • Professional 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 A
  • Sliding 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 X
  • Hard Slide Tackle

    Throws in a more aggressive slide than the standard one, raising the risk of a foul or card.

    Press RB + press X
  • Clearance

    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 B
  • Technical Clearance

    Clears with a more controlled strike than the standard clearance, for when you want some direction on the ball.

    Press RB + press B
  • Shoulder 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 B
  • Contain

    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 A
  • Physical 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 A
  • Teammate 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 RB
  • Partial 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 RB
  • Sprint 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 RT
  • Quick 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 X
  • Engage 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 dribbler
  • Rush 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 Y
  • Goalkeeper 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 Y
  • Goalkeeper 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 Y
  • Goalkeeper 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 X
  • Throw / 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 A
  • Drop Ball

    Puts the ball down at the goalkeeper's feet so they can dribble or pass it along the ground.

    Press Y
  • Pick Up Ball

    Picks the ball back up into the goalkeeper's hands after dropping it, ready for a throw or kick.

    Press RB
  • Driven Throw

    Throws the ball harder and flatter than a standard throw, reaching a teammate faster to start a quick attack.

    Press RB + press A
  • Driven Kick

    Strikes a low, fast kick from the hands to find a teammate further upfield than a throw can reach.

    Press RB + press X
  • Move 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 RS
  • GK Cover Far Post

    Shifts the goalkeeper toward the far post to guard against a shot aimed across goal.

    Hold RS
  • Switch 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 LS
  • Reticle 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 RS
  • Ground Pass

    Plays the free kick short along the ground to a teammate instead of shooting.

    Press A
  • Lob Pass / Cross

    Lifts the free kick into the air as a cross into the box or a lofted pass to a teammate.

    Press X
  • Wall 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 Y
  • Wall 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 A
  • Move Wall

    Shifts the whole wall sideways to cover the side of the goal you think the kick is aimed at.

    Press LT or press RT
  • Select 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 RT
  • Add Kick Taker

    Brings another player to stand over the ball, giving you a second option to shoot, pass or dummy.

    Press RB or press LT
  • Move 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 LT
  • 2nd 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 B
  • 2nd Kick Taker Layoff Pass

    Lays the ball off along the ground to the second taker, who shoots from a fresh angle.

    Press LT + press A
  • 2nd 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 X
  • 2nd 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 A
  • Call 3rd Kick Taker

    Adds a third player at the ball, giving you one more shooter or decoy for the free kick.

    Press RB
  • 3rd Kick Taker Shot

    Has the third taker shoot instead of the others, adding a third foot and angle to choose from.

    Press RB + press B
  • 3rd 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 A
  • Co-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 X
  • Corners - 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 A
  • Aim Kick

    Sets where the corner is aimed, such as the near post, far post or penalty spot.

    Move LS
  • Reticle Aim

    Moves the target marker for the delivery, where a lower spot gives a flatter cross and a higher one a lofted ball.

    Move RS
  • Display 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 Up
  • Run 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 Up
  • Edge 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 Left
  • Crowd 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 Right
  • Run 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 Down
  • Move Along Line

    Throw-in

    Walks the thrower up or down the touchline before the throw to find a better angle.

    Move LS
  • Short 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 A
  • Short 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 Y
  • Long 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 A
  • Fake 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 LS
  • Shoot

    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 B
  • Finesse Shot

    Curls the penalty toward the corner with a placed strike instead of relying on raw power.

    Press RB + press B
  • Chip Shot

    Chips the penalty softly, usually down the middle, to beat a goalkeeper who dives early.

    Press LB + press B
  • Select 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 RT
  • Goalkeeper 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 LS
  • Goalkeeper 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 RS
  • Goalkeeper 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