How to Convert Your FM24 Tactics to FM26

Your FM24 tactics won't work in FM26. Not because they were bad, but because the game has fundamentally changed.

With the introduction of dual formations, overhauled player roles, and redesigned team instructions, every tactic needs conversion.

This guide provides a step-by-step process for translating your FM24 tactical approach into FM26's new system.

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By the end, you'll understand exactly how to recreate your favorite tactics or build even better ones in the new engine.

Whether you mastered gegenpress, possession football, or defensive counter-attacks, this guide has you covered.

For managers returning from FM24, the changes are transformative. Read our complete FM24 vs FM26 comparison to understand every major difference.

Understanding Dual Formations: A Quick Primer

Before diving into conversion, grasp the core concept: FM26 separates your team's shape into two distinct formations.

In Possession (IP): How your team positions itself when attacking and building play. This is your creative, attacking shape designed to break down opponents.

Out of Possession (OOP): How your team defends in a settled block. This is your defensive structure, whether pressing high, holding a mid-block, or sitting deep.

Your FM24 formation served both purposes simultaneously. In FM26, you need to think about these phases separately.

A 4-3-3 when attacking might become a 4-5-1 when defending as your wingers drop into midfield.

The transition between these shapes happens organically based on ball possession. Players shift positions smoothly, creating tactical fluidity that mirrors modern football.

This tactical depth allows you to truly replicate modern football. Learn more about FM26's tactical overhaul.

Two Paths to Building Your Tactic

FM26 offers flexibility in how you approach tactic creation:

Path 1: Pre-Made Tactical Styles

When you first create a tactic, FM26 presents tactical style presets like Control Possession, Gegenpress, Tiki-Taka, Vertical Tiki-Taka, Wing Play, and more. Each style includes:

• Pre-configured In Possession formation
  
• Complementary Out of Possession formation
  
• Staff feedback explaining strengths and weaknesses
  
• Suitable for beginners or quick setup
  

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Path 2: Custom Formation Builder

You can build completely custom formations from scratch:

• Choose your In Possession formation first
  
• Your system then helps suggest complementary Out of Possession formations
  
• Suggestions appear in the "Suggested" tab (typically 2-3 options)
  
• The "All" tab shows every available formation if you want full control
  
• Best for experienced managers who know exactly what they want
  

Most FM24 veterans will use Path 2 (custom formations), but Path 1 exists for convenience or learning.



Let's work through each step in detail.

Step 1: Identify Your FM24 Tactical Style

Understanding what your tactic was trying to achieve helps guide conversion choices.

Common FM24 Tactical Styles

Gegenpress / High Intensity Pressing

• High defensive line
  
• Aggressive pressing
  
• Quick counter-pressing after losing possession
  
• Fast tempo
  
• Direct passing when winning the ball
  

Possession-Based / Tiki-Taka

• Patient build-up
  
• Short passing
  
• High player movement
  
• Maintaining the ball
  
• Working ball into dangerous areas
  

Counter-Attacking

• Deep defensive block
  
• Fast transitions when winning the ball
  
• Direct passing to forwards
  
• Exploiting space behind aggressive opponents
  

Defensive / Low Block

• Very deep defensive line
  
• Compact shape
  
• Limited pressing
  
• Patient for mistakes
  
• Set pieces as main threat
  

Vertical / Direct

• Quick progression up the pitch
  
• Bypassing midfield when possible
  
• Early crosses or through balls
  
• Physical presence up front
  

Identify which of these (or combination) best describes your FM24 tactic. This clarity helps you make appropriate choices when building IP and OOP formations.

Step 2: Role Conversion Guide

This is the most critical step. Many FM24 roles no longer exist or have been renamed.



Here's your complete conversion reference based on confirmed FM26 roles.

Complete FM24 → FM26 Role Mapping

FM24 Role	FM26 IP Role	FM26 OOP Role	Conversion Notes
Goalkeeper (Defend)	Goalkeeper	Goalkeeper	No change
Sweeper Keeper (all duties)	Sweeper Keeper	Sweeper Keeper	No change

FM24 Role	FM26 IP Role	FM26 OOP Role	Conversion Notes
Central Defender (Defend)	Centre-Back	Centre-Back	Direct equivalent
Ball-Playing Defender	Ball-Playing CB	Covering CB	Splits creative (IP) from defensive (OOP) duties
No-Nonsense Centre-Back	No-Nonsense CB	No-Nonsense CB	Same concept
Libero	Overlapping CB / Advanced CB	Covering CB	New roles capture similar freedom

FM24 Role	FM26 IP Role	FM26 OOP Role	Conversion Notes
Full-Back (Defend)	Full-Back	Full-Back	Direct equivalent
Full-Back (Support)	Full-Back	Holding Full-Back	Slightly more conservative OOP
Full-Back (Attack)	Full-Back	Pressing Full-Back	Maintains attacking intent IP, presses OOP
Wing-Back (Defend)	Wing-Back	Holding Wing-Back	More defensive OOP
Wing-Back (Support)	Wing-Back	Inside Wing-Back	Tucks inside OOP
Wing-Back (Attack)	Advanced Wing-Back	Holding Wing-Back	Major shift: stays high IP, drops deep OOP
Inverted Wing-Back	Inverted Full-Back / Inside Full-Back	Inside Wing-Back	Tucks inside in both phases
Complete Wing-Back	Playmaking Wing-Back	Inside Wing-Back	Creative IP, supportive OOP

FM24 Role	FM26 IP Role	FM26 OOP Role	Conversion Notes
Defensive Midfielder (Defend)	Defensive Midfielder	Screening DM	Holds position in both phases
Anchor Man	Defensive Midfielder	Screening DM	Very similar functionality
Half-Back	Half-Back	Half-Back	Drops into backline still works
Ball-Winning Midfielder	Defensive Midfielder	Pressing DM	Aggressive ball-winning moved to OOP
Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend)	Deep-Lying Playmaker	Screening DM	Creative IP, blocks space OOP
Deep-Lying Playmaker (Support)	Deep-Lying Playmaker	Screening DM / Wide Covering DM	Based on system width
Segundo Volante	Box-to-Box Playmaker	Pressing DM	Creative engine IP, disruptor OOP

FM24 Role	FM26 IP Role	FM26 OOP Role	Conversion Notes
Central Midfielder (Defend)	Central Midfielder	Screening CM	Balanced role
Central Midfielder (Support/Attack)	Central Midfielder	Box-to-Box Midfielder	Energy in both phases
Box-to-Box Midfielder	Box-to-Box Midfielder	Box-to-Box Midfielder	Still covers entire pitch
Advanced Playmaker	Midfield Playmaker / Advanced Playmaker	Tracking AM / Screening CM	More freedom IP, discipline OOP
Mezzala	Channel Midfielder	Screening CM / Wide Covering CM	More direct runs, less roaming
Carrilero	Wide Covering CM	Wide Covering CM	Similar concept, clearer naming
Roaming Playmaker	Midfield Playmaker / Box-to-Box Playmaker	Screening CM	Creative freedom IP

FM24 Role	FM26 IP Role	FM26 OOP Role	Conversion Notes
Attacking Midfielder (Support/Attack)	Attacking Midfielder	Tracking AM	Creativity IP, tracks back OOP
Enganche	Advanced Playmaker / Free Role	Tracking AM	Roaming freedom IP, defensive duty OOP
Trequartista	Advanced Playmaker / Free Role	Tracking AM	Merged into existing roles
Shadow Striker	Attacking Midfielder / Second Striker	Tracking AM / Pressing CM	Depends on aggression

FM24 Role	FM26 IP Role	FM26 OOP Role	Conversion Notes
Winger (Support/Attack)	Winger	Tracking Winger	Stretches play IP, drops OOP
Inverted Winger	Inside Winger / Half-Space Winger	Tracking Winger	Updated terminology
Inside Forward	Inside Forward	Tracking Winger	Updated with new functionality
Wide Playmaker	Wide Playmaker / Playmaking Winger	Tracking Winger	Creates from wide areas

FM24 Role	FM26 IP Role	FM26 OOP Role	Conversion Notes
Advanced Forward	Centre Forward	Central Outlet CF	Stays high in both phases
Poacher	Poacher	Central Outlet CF	Pure goalscorer
Complete Forward	Centre Forward	Tracking CF / Central Outlet CF	Depends on defensive contribution
Target Man	Target Forward	Target Forward	Physical presence maintained
False Nine	False Nine	Tracking CF	Drops deep IP, presses OOP
Deep-Lying Forward	Deep-Lying Forward	Tracking CF	Links play IP, works back OOP
Pressing Forward	Centre Forward	Tracking CF	Aggressive in both phases

For detailed explanations of every new role, see our complete FM26 player roles guide.

Step 3: Team Instruction Mapping

FM24's instruction system differs significantly from FM26's visual, context-sensitive approach. Here's how to translate.

Understanding FM26's Instruction Organization

Critical Difference: FM26 instructions are organized by context and pitch area.

In Possession Instructions appear in different views based on pitch area:

• Buildup: How you start attacks from deep
  
• Progression: How you move through midfield
  
• Final Third: How you create and finish chances
  
• Overview: See all IP instructions at once
  

Out of Possession Instructions organize by defensive approach:

• High Press: Line of engagement, trigger press settings
  
• Mid Block: Balanced defensive positioning
  
• Low Block: Deep defensive settings
  
• Overview: See all OOP instructions at once
  

This context-sensitive organization makes it clearer which instructions affect which areas of the pitch.

These visual instructions are part of FM26's reimagined user interface.

Major Instruction Conversions

FM24 Instruction	FM26 Equivalent	Where to Find It	Notes
Play Out of Defence	Short Goal Kicks + Build-Up Strategy: Play Through Press + GK Distribution: Centre-Backs	IP Instructions (Buildup)	Now split into multiple detailed settings
Higher Tempo	Tempo → Lower/Standard/Higher	IP Instructions (Overview)	Now a clear three-way choice
More Direct Passing	Passing Directness: Shorter/Balanced/Direct	IP Instructions (Overview)	Clearer terminology
Shorter Passing	Passing Directness: Shorter	IP Instructions (Overview)	Build-up focused
Work Ball Into Box	Patience: Work Ball Into Box + Creative Freedom: Balanced	IP Instructions (Final Third)	Combination of settings
Hit Early Crosses	Patience: Less Often + Crossing Style: Standard	IP Instructions (Final Third)	Low patience + standard crossing
Get Stuck In	Tackling: Standard/Aggressive	OOP Instructions	Defensive aggression in OOP phase
Counter	Attacking Transition: Counter-Attack	IP Instructions (Overview)	Moved to transitions
Counter-Press	Defensive Transition: Counter-Press	OOP Instructions	Immediate pressing after losing ball
Higher Defensive Line	Defensive Line: Higher	OOP Instructions	Depth controlled in OOP
Lower Defensive Line	Defensive Line: Deeper	OOP Instructions	Deep block in OOP
Higher Line of Engagement	Line of Engagement: High Press	OOP Instructions	Where you start pressing
Prevent Short GK Distribution	Short Goalkeeper Distribution: Yes	OOP Instructions (High Press)	Press high with forwards

New FM26 Instructions Not in FM24

In Possession:

• Creative Freedom (replaces old "risk" concept): How expressive players can be
  
• Pass Reception: Balanced vs Overlapped (receiving patterns)
  
• Progress Through: How you advance the ball through midfield
  
• Supporting Runs: Both Flanks, One Flank, Balanced
  
• Time Wasting: Control game tempo when winning
  
• Play for Set Pieces: Keep Ball in Play when winning fouls
  
• GK Distribution (Speed): How quickly keeper distributes
  
• Goal Kicks: Short, Mixed, Long options
  

---

Out of Possession:

• Line of Engagement: High Press, Mid Block, Low Block (where you start defending)
  
• Defensive Line Behaviour: Balanced, Offside Trap, Step Up
  
• Trigger Press: More Often, Balanced, Less Often (pressing frequency)
  
• Pressing Trap: Balanced, Active (coordinated pressing)
  
• Cross Engagement: How aggressively you contest crosses
  
• Short Goalkeeper Distribution: Yes/No (press keeper or allow short passes)
  

Complete In Possession Instruction Categories

Overview Section:

• Passing Directness (Shorter/Balanced/Direct)
  
• Tempo (Lower/Standard/Higher)
  
• Time Wasting (More Often/Less Often)
  
• Attacking Transition (Counter-Attack/Standard)
  
• Attacking Width (Narrower ← slider → Wider)
  
• Creative Freedom (More Expressive/Balanced/More Disciplined)
  
• Play for Set Pieces (Keep Ball in Play/Standard)
  

Buildup Section:

• Build-Up Strategy (Play Through Press/Direct/Mixed)
  
• Goal Kicks (Short/Mixed/Long)
  
• GK Distribution (Speed) (Slower/Balanced/Faster)
  
• GK Distribution (Target) (Centre-Backs/Full-Backs/Midfielders/etc.)
  

Progression Section:

• Pass Reception (Balanced/Overlapped)
  
• Dribbling (Reduced/Balanced/Encouraged)
  
• Supporting Runs (Both Flanks/One Flank/Balanced)
  
• Progress Through (Left/Balanced/Right)
  

Final Third Section:

• Patience (Work Ball Into Box ← slider → Less Often)
  
• Shots from Distance (Balanced/Encouraged/Reduced)
  
• Crossing Style (Low Crosses/Balanced/High Crosses)
  

---

Complete Out of Possession Instruction Categories

Overview:

• Line of Engagement (High Press/Mid Block/Low Block)
  
• Defensive Line (Higher/Standard/Deeper)
  
• Defensive Line Behaviour (Balanced/Offside Trap/Step Up)
  
• Trigger Press (More Often/Balanced/Less Often)
  
• Defensive Transition (Counter-Press/Standard/Regroup)
  
• Tackling (Aggressive/Standard/Ease Off)
  

High Press/Mid Block/Low Block Specific:

• Cross Engagement (Contest/Balanced/Hold Position)
  
• Pressing Trap (Active/Balanced)
  
• Short Goalkeeper Distribution (Yes/No)
  

---

Transition Instructions

Critical Note: Transitions haven't been removed—they've been logically relocated.

• Attacking Transitions (what happens when you win the ball) → In Possession settings
  
• Defensive Transitions (what happens when you lose the ball) → Out of Possession settings
  

This makes more sense contextually: attacking transitions are about what you do WITH the ball, defensive transitions are about what you do WITHOUT it.

Step 4: Designing Your OOP Formation

Your OOP formation should complement your IP shape while providing defensive solidity. Here are common approaches based on FM24 tactic styles.

If You Played Gegenpress in FM24

Your FM24 Setup:

• High defensive line
  
• Extremely high press
  
• Counter-press
  
• Fast tempo
  

FM26 Conversion:

IP Formation: 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1

• Attacking roles across the front line
  
• Box-to-Box or Pressing midfielders
  
• Full-backs or wing-backs supporting
  

OOP Formation: 4-1-4-1 or 4-4-2 (flat)

• Compress midfield
  
• Pressing DM to cover
  
• Wingers/AMs drop into midfield line
  
• High defensive line maintained
  
• Pressing roles throughout
  

Key OOP Roles:

• Pressing DM
  
• Pressing CM
  
• Pressing Full-Backs
  
• Tracking Wingers
  
• Tracking CF
  

Result: Your press remains intense but now properly structured in the defensive phase.

If You Played Possession Football in FM24

Your FM24 Setup:

• Patient build-up
  
• Short passing
  
• High player movement
  
• Work ball into box
  

FM26 Conversion:

IP Formation: 4-3-3 or 3-4-3

• Playmaking roles (Deep-Lying Playmaker, Midfield Playmaker, Wide Playmaker)
  
• Ball-Playing defenders
  
• Patient tempo and passing
  

OOP Formation: 4-5-1 or 5-4-1

• Extremely compact midfield
  
• Screening roles to protect possession
  
• Control central areas
  
• Mid-block defensive line
  

Key OOP Roles:

• Screening DM
  
• Screening CM
  
• Wide Covering CM
  
• Holding Wing-Backs
  
• Tracking CF
  

Result: You maintain possession by denying space to opponents, quickly regaining the ball when lost.

If You Played Counter-Attack in FM24

Your FM24 Setup:

• Deep defensive block
  
• Direct passing on transition
  
• Fast forwards
  
• Sit back and absorb pressure
  

FM26 Conversion:

IP Formation: 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1

• Direct passing
  
• Low patience
  
• Counter-attack transitions
  
• Outlet forwards
  

OOP Formation: 5-4-1 or 4-5-1

• Very deep defensive line
  
• Compact shape denying space
  
• Outlet roles staying high
  
• Minimal pressing
  

Key OOP Roles:

• Screening DM
  
• Wide Covering CM/DM
  
• Holding Wing-Backs or Full-Backs
  
• Central Outlet CF (stays highfor counters)
  
• Tracking Wide roles
  

Result: Defensive solidity with quick transition threat when you win possession.

If You Played Vertical/Direct Football in FM24

Your FM24 Setup:

• Quick progression
  
• Bypassing midfield
  
• Early crosses or long balls
  
• Physical strikers
  

FM26 Conversion:

IP Formation: 4-4-2 or 3-5-2

• Direct passing directness
  
• Low patience
  
• Standard crossing style
  
• Target Forward or Centre Forward
  

OOP Formation: 4-4-2 or 5-3-2

• Mid-block
  
• Compact lines
  
• Quick to launch counters
  
• Physical presence maintained
  

Key OOP Roles:

• Defensive Midfielder
  
• Box-to-Box Midfielder (covers ground)
  
• Tracking Wingers
  
• Target Forward or Central Outlet CF
  

Result: Direct approach maintained with better defensive organization.

General OOP Design Principles

Defensive Line Depth:

• High press system → OOP formation with high line (attackers near halfway)
  
• Mid-block system → OOP formation slightly deeper (edge of own half)
  
• Low block system → OOP formation very deep (inside own third)
  

Player Transitions:

• Smooth transitions → Similar positions (e.g., CM stays CM)
  
• Tactical flexibility → Bigger changes (e.g., AM becomes DM)
  
• Risk assessment → Your backroom staff will warn if transitions are too extreme
  

Width Management:

• Narrow OOP → Deny central space, force play wide
  
• Wide OOP → Cover flanks, prevent crosses
  
• Asymmetric → One side narrow, one side wide (advanced tactic)
  

Pressing Triggers:

• Use Pressing roles where you want to win ball
  
• Use Screening roles where you want to deny space
  
• Use Tracking roles for balanced approach
  

Step 5: Testing and Iteration

Your converted tactic won't be perfect immediately. FM26's new systems require adjustment and refinement.

Initial Testing Process

1. Use Friendly Matches
   • Test against different opponent styles
     
   • Don't judge results, judge behavior
     
   • Watch how your team transitions between formations
     


2. Use the Visualiser
   • Check each pitch third separately
     
   • Verify players position where expected
     
   • Look for gaps or congestion
     
   • Ensure transitions are smooth
     


3. Monitor Key Metrics
   • Possession percentage (should match your intention)
     
   • Shots created vs shots conceded
     
   • xG (expected goals) data
     
   • Where goals/chances come from
     
   • Defensive vulnerabilities
     


4. Watch Full Matches
   • At least one full match on Comprehensive highlights
     
   • See actual player behavior
     
   • Identify issues the stats don't show
     

Common Issues and Fixes

Problem: Big gaps when transitioning OOP

• Solution: Choose OOP roles closer to IP positions
  
• Example: Change AM → DM transition to AM → CM transition
  

Problem: Not creating chances despite possession

• Solution: Increase Risk-Taking slider, reduce Patience
  
• Alternative: Add more direct roles (Channel Midfielder, Wide Forward)
  

Problem: Getting overrun in midfield defensively

• Solution: Add Screening DM or Screening CM to OOP formation
  
• Alternative: Drop attacking midfielder deeper OOP
  

Problem: Strikers isolated in attack

• Solution: Add Midfield Playmaker or Box-to-Box roles IP
  
• Alternative: Use Second Striker instead of lone CF
  

Problem: Full-backs/wing-backs caught out defensively

• Solution: Use Holding variants OOP
  
• Alternative: Slower tempo to allow recovery time
  

Problem: Not pressing effectively

• Solution: Use more Pressing roles OOP
  
• Alternative: Higher defensive line in OOP formation
  

Problem: Predictable attack

• Solution: Reduce hard-coded instructions, give players freedom
  
• Alternative: Add asymmetric elements (one WB attacks, one holds)
  

Iterative Refinement

• Week 1: Test basic conversion, identify major issues
  
• Week 2: Adjust roles and formation shapes, test against varied opposition
  
• Week 3: Fine-tune team instructions using Visualiser feedback
  
• Week 4: Optimize for your squad's attributes
  

Don't expect perfection immediately. FM26's tactical depth rewards experimentation and patience.

Step 6: Using the Tactical Visualiser

FM26's Tactical Visualiser is your secret weapon for validating your converted tactics before you step onto the pitch.

What the Visualiser Shows

The Visualiser displays how your formation behaves across three distinct pitch zones:

• Own Third (Defensive Zone): How your team looks when defending deep
  
• Middle Third: Your shape as play develops through midfield
  
• Final Third: Your formation when attacking in dangerous areas
  

You can view the Visualiser for both In Possession and Out of Possession formations separately.

The Visualiser is one of FM26's most revolutionary new features.

How to Use It

1. Check Your In Possession Shape:
   • View how players position in each zone
     
   • Look for: Are playmakers finding space? Are strikers getting isolated? Do you have width where you want it?
     


2. Check Your Out of Possession Shape:
   • Verify defensive coverage in each zone
     
   • Look for: Are there gaps appearing? Is your press coordinated? Do players transition smoothly?
     


3. Identify Issues Before They Cost Points:
   • Gaps between lines that opponents can exploit
     
   • Players occupying same spaces (role conflicts)
     
   • Extreme position changes during transitions (risky)
     
   • Lack of passing options in buildup zones
     

Example: Spotting a Problem

Issue: Your converted gegenpress shows a gap in central midfield (Middle Third, OOP view)

Solution: Change one CM from Pressing CM to Screening CM to provide cover

The Visualiser powered by training match scenarios shows authentic previews of how your tactical ideas translate to actual play.

Example Conversions

Let's see three complete FM24 → FM26 conversions.

Example 1: Gegenpress 4-3-3

Original FM24 Setup:

• Formation: 4-3-3 DM Wide
  
• GK: Sweeper Keeper (Support)
  
• DL/DR: Full-Backs (Support)
  
• DC: Ball-Playing Defender (Defend) + Central Defender (Defend)
  
• DM: Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend)
  
• MCL/MCR: Mezzala (Support) + Box-to-Box Midfielder (Support)
  
• AML/AMR: Inside Forwards (Attack)
  
• ST: Pressing Forward (Attack)
  

Team Instructions: Higher tempo, higher defensive line, counter-press, play out of defence, more urgent passing

FM26 Conversion:

IP Formation: 4-3-3

• GK: Sweeper Keeper
  
• DL/DR: Full-Backs
  
• DC: Ball-Playing CB + Centre-Back
  
• DM: Deep-Lying Playmaker
  
• MCL/MCR: Channel Midfielder + Box-to-Box Midfielder
  
• AML/AMR: Inside Forwards
  
• ST: Centre Forward
  

IP Instructions:

• Tempo: High (slider right)
  
• Passing Directness: Balanced
  
• Risk-Taking: Medium-High
  
• Patience: Low
  
• Attacking Transitions: Counter-Attack
  

OOP Formation: 4-1-4-1

• GK: Sweeper Keeper
  
• DL/DR: Pressing Full-Backs
  
• DC: Covering CB + Stopping CB
  
• DM: Pressing DM
  
• MCL/MCR: Pressing CM + Box-to-Box Midfielder
  
• AML/AMR: Tracking Wingers
  
• ST: Tracking CF
  

OOP Instructions:

• High defensive line
  
• Aggressive pressing zones
  
• Quick counter-press after losing ball
  

Key Changes:

• Mezzala → Channel Midfielder (clearer role definition)
  
• Pressing Forward → Centre Forward IP, Tracking CF OOP (splits duties)
  
• Full-Backs become Pressing Full-Backs OOP (maintain intensity)
  
• Wingers drop into midfield line OOP (4-1-4-1 shape)
  

Result: Intense pressing maintained with better structure. The 4-1-4-1 OOP compresses midfield while still pressing high.

Example 2: Possession Tiki-Taka 4-3-3

Original FM24 Setup:

• Formation: 4-3-3 DM Wide
  
• GK: Goalkeeper (Defend)
  
• DL/DR: Inverted Wing-Backs (Support)
  
• DC: Ball-Playing Defenders (Defend) x2
  
• DM: Half-Back (Defend)
  
• MCL/MCR: Carrilero (Support) + Advanced Playmaker (Support)
  
• AML/AMR: Inverted Wingers (Support)
  
• ST: False Nine (Support)
  

Team Instructions: Shorter passing, lower tempo, work ball into box, play out of defence, hold shape

FM26 Conversion:

IP Formation: 4-3-3

• GK: Ball-Playing GK
  
• DL/DR: Inverted Full-Backs
  
• DC: Ball-Playing CBs x2
  
• DM: Half-Back
  
• MCL/MCR: Wide Covering CM + Midfield Playmaker
  
• AML/AMR: Inside Wingers
  
• ST: False Nine
  

IP Instructions:

• Tempo: Low-Medium (slider left)
  
• Passing Directness: Shorter
  
• Risk-Taking: Low-Medium
  
• Patience: High (slider right)
  
• Attacking Width: Balanced
  
• Build-Up: Build from Back
  

OOP Formation: 4-5-1

• GK: Ball-Playing GK
  
• DL/DR: Inside Full-Backs
  
• DC: Covering CBs x2
  
• DM: Screening DM
  
• MCL/MCR: Wide Covering CM + Screening CM
  
• AML/AMR: Tracking Wingers (drop into midfield)
  
• ST: Tracking CF
  

OOP Instructions:

• Mid-block defensive line
  
• Compact shape
  
• Deny central space
  

Key Changes:

• Carrilero → Wide Covering CM (same concept, clearer naming)
  
• Advanced Playmaker → Midfield Playmaker (updated terminology)
  
• Inverted Wingers → Inside Wingers (updated name)
  
• OOP formation becomes extremely compact 4-5-1 to control midfield
  

Result: Patient possession play with exceptional control. The 4-5-1 OOP makes you very difficult to break down.

Example 3: Counter-Attack 4-4-2

Original FM24 Setup:

• Formation: 4-4-2
  
• GK: Goalkeeper (Defend)
  
• DL/DR: Full-Backs (Defend)
  
• DC: Central Defenders (Defend) x2
  
• ML/MR: Wingers (Support)
  
• MCL/MCR: Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend) + Central Midfielder (Defend)
  
• STL/STR: Advanced Forward (Attack) + Target Man (Attack)
  

Team Instructions: Counter, lower tempo, lower defensive line, more direct passing, disciplined

FM26 Conversion:

IP Formation: 4-4-2

• GK: Goalkeeper
  
• DL/DR: Full-Backs
  
• DC: Centre-Backs x2
  
• ML/MR: Wingers
  
• MCL/MCR: Defensive Midfielder + Central Midfielder
  
• STL/STR: Centre Forward + Target Forward
  

IP Instructions:

• Tempo: Low (slider left)
  
• Passing Directness: Direct
  
• Risk-Taking: Low
  
• Patience: Low (quick transitions)
  
• Attacking Transitions: Counter-Attack
  

OOP Formation: 5-4-1

• GK: Goalkeeper
  
• DL/DR: Full-Backs (become WBs)
  
• DC: Covering CBs x3 (full-backs tuck in)
  
• ML/MR: Tracking Wide Midfielders
  
• MCL/MCR: Screening DM + Screening CM
  
• ST: Central Outlet CF (stays high)
  

OOP Instructions:

• Very deep defensive line
  
• Compact shape
  
• Minimal pressing (sit back)
  

Key Changes:

• Ball-Winning Midfielder → Defensive Midfielder IP, Screening DM OOP
  
• Advanced Forward → Centre Forward IP, Central Outlet CF OOP (stays high for counters)
  
• Formation transforms to 5-4-1 OOP for defensive solidity
  
• One striker stays high OOP as outlet
  

Result: Defensive organization with dangerous counter-attacking threat. The 5-4-1 OOP is extremely difficult to break down.

Quick Reference: FM24 → FM26 Cheat Sheet

Conclusion

Converting FM24 tactics to FM26 requires understanding the dual-formation philosophy and how roles now split between attacking and defensive phases.

The process takes time, but the tactical depth you gain is unprecedented.

Your FM24 tactical knowledge isn't wasted, it's evolving. The same principles of space, pressing, transitions, and player roles still apply.

FM26 just gives you far more control over how these principles manifest in different match phases.

Start with one of your favorite FM24 tactics. Convert it using this guide. Test it. Refine it.

Soon you'll be creating tactics that are impossible to replicate in FM24, exploiting the tactical sophistication FM26 offers.

Welcome to the future of Football Manager tactics.

Continue Your FM26 Preparation:

• FM24 vs FM26: Complete Comparison - Understand all the changes
  
• FM26 New Features Guide - Complete feature breakdown
  
• FM26 Player Roles Breakdown - Every role explained
  
• FM26 Tactics Overhaul - Deep dive into dual formations
  

Get Early Access to FM26

Purchase FM26 through fmscout.com much cheaper than Steam store & enjoy early access 2 weeks before release, get a 5x chance to win a key for the 'g' edition of Genie Scout 26, & our gratitude for supporting our community financially.