Best 5-2-3 Custom Tactics
The meta 5-2-3 setup in EA FC 26: roles, instructions, tactic code, and the best players for every position.
The 5-2-3 is one of the most popular formations among active squads in EA SPORTS FC 26, run by <1% of them. This breaks down the meta 5-2-3 custom tactics they use: a Short Passing build-up style, a Balanced defensive line at a line height of 60, and the most-used player role for every position. Up top, the most common setup is a Inside Forward on a Balanced focus.
Roles & focuses for every position
How the community set up each position in the 5-2-3: the most-used role, what it does, and the highest GG Rating players to fill it.
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.
With an Attack focus, the Advanced Forward will concentrate on goal-scoring opportunities, usually positioning themselves high and central on the pitch.
A wide attacker who begins on the wing, but will regularly cut inside onto their preferred foot to shoot or play the final pass. The tend to run in behind the defence.
When Balanced, the Inside Forward will offer minimal defensive support, and sometimes hold off making runs in behind to instead offer passing options.
A wide attacker who begins on the wing, but will regularly cut inside onto their preferred foot to shoot or play the final pass. The tend to run in behind the defence.
When Balanced, the Inside Forward will offer minimal defensive support, and sometimes hold off making runs in behind to instead offer passing options.
This player operates between the two boxes, operating as neither the last line of defence, nor the final part of the attack, but involved in everything in-between.
When asked to be Balanced, the Box-to-box Midfielder will cover the centre of the pitch in attack and defence.
This player's versatility and stamina allows them to push upfield to support attacks, before returning to their defensive position.
With Balanced, the Wingback is given license to stay forward even when the team is out of possession, or drop back into defence when needed.
A no nonsense centre back who excels at the basics of defending, including maintaining the defensive line.
When asked to Defend, the Defender will focus only on their defensive responsibilities.
This player's versatility and stamina allows them to push upfield to support attacks, before returning to their defensive position.
With Balanced, the Wingback is given license to stay forward even when the team is out of possession, or drop back into defence when needed.
A traditional goalkeeper who stays on their line and focuses on shot-stopping.
With a Defend focus, the Goalkeeper won't rush out to collect long or loose balls.
The best 5-2-3 custom tactics in EA SPORTS FC 26
This is the #29 most-used formation among active squads on FUT.GG, run by <1% of them. The preferred setup pairs a Short Passing build-up style with a Balanced defensive approach (line height 60). Use the pitch view to see the recommended role and focus for each position, then copy the EA tactic code to import the full setup in-game.
Player roles and focuses
Roles define how each player behaves in the 5-2-3. The roles below reflect the most common choice at each position across active squads, so you can match the meta or use them as a starting point for your own tweaks.
Best players for this formation
For every role in the 5-2-3, we surface the highest GG Rating players for that exact role, so you can build a squad that fits the tactics. Prices update live, and you can open the full setup in the Squad Builder to swap players and fine-tune chemistry.
Make it your own
Open this 5-2-3 tactic in the Squad Builder to tweak roles, swap players and fine-tune your chemistry. Your full setup is pre-loaded.