ST Roles & Focus
All available roles and focus options for the ST position in EA SPORTS FC 26.
Advanced Forward
A versatile attacker who usually stays close to the opposition's defensive line, but opens themselves up for passes in the build up, and makes runs in behind for scoring chances.
Focus Options
Support
When set to Support, the Advanced Forward will look to make runs from deeper or wider positions, and press the defenders.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Complete
When set to Complete, the Advanced Forward has the freedom to move wide when necessary to receive a pass or create space with a run.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Attack
With an Attack focus, the Advanced Forward will concentrate on goal-scoring opportunities, usually positioning themselves high and central on the pitch.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Target Forward
An attacking outlet whose physicality allows them to hold up play, shielding the ball from opponents, and bring others into attacks. They feed on crosses as well as passes to feet.
Focus Options
Wide
When set to Wide, the Target Forward will drift to the edges of the box in a search for space to make an impact.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Balanced
When Balanced, the Target Forward will drop off from the defensive line, hold up play, and lay the ball off to teammates. They will have minor defensive duties.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Attack
With an Attack focus, the Target Forward is free to focus on going forward, without any defensive instructions.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Advanced Forward
A versatile attacker who usually stays close to the opposition's defensive line, but opens themselves up for passes in the build up, and makes runs in behind for scoring chances.
Focus Options
Support
When set to Support, the Advanced Forward will look to make runs from deeper or wider positions, and press the defenders.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Attack
With an Attack focus, the Advanced Forward will concentrate on goal-scoring opportunities, usually positioning themselves high and central on the pitch.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Versatile
When set to Versatile, the Advanced Forward has the freedom to move wide when necessary to receive a pass or create space with a run.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Poacher
This player has one objective: score goals. They stay forward and focus on making runs in behind the defence, hoping to fashion a chance to score.
Focus Options
Support
When set to Support, the Poacher will stay close to the opposition defence, aggressively pressing them when in possession, in the hope of triggering a mistake.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Versatile
With a Versatile focus, the Poacher will use their judgement to determine if they should come back to support their team or apply pressure.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Attack
With an Attack focus, the Poacher will lurk just off the defensive line, ready to capitalise on any defensive gaps or errors.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Target Forward
An attacking outlet whose physicality allows them to hold up play, shielding the ball from opponents, and bring others into attacks. They feed on crosses as well as passes to feet.
Focus Options
Attack
With an Attack focus, the Target Forward is free to focus on going forward, without any defensive instructions.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Balanced
When Balanced, the Target Forward will drop off from the defensive line, hold up play, and lay the ball off to teammates. They will have minor defensive duties.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Wide
When set to Wide, the Target Forward will drift to the edges of the box in a search for space to make an impact.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Poacher
This player has one objective: score goals. They stay forward and focus on making runs in behind the defence, hoping to fashion a chance to score.
Focus Options
Support
When set to Support, the Poacher will stay close to the opposition defence, aggressively pressing them when in possession, in the hope of triggering a mistake.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Attack
With an Attack focus, the Poacher will lurk just off the defensive line, ready to capitalise on any defensive gaps or errors.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
False 9
Positioned in the forward line, this player drops deep to dictate play, in the space in front of a defence. This also allows them to contribute towards defensive phases of the game.
Focus Options
Attack
When set to Attack, the False 9 will drop back from the opposition's defence, and make trailing runs into the box from deep.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
Build-Up
With Build-Up, the False 9 will drop back from the opposition's defence, and operate as a playmaker, leading attacks.
Characteristics
Position Heatmap
False 9
Positioned in the forward line, this player drops deep to dictate play, in the space in front of a defence. This also allows them to contribute towards defensive phases of the game.
Focus Options
Build-Up
With Build-Up, the False 9 will drop back from the opposition's defence, and operate as a playmaker, leading attacks.