Defending in EA FC 26 feels completely different compared to previous years. With AI defending heavily nerfed, you can no longer rely on your backline to auto-press, auto-track runs, or bail you out after a mistake. Defenders react slower, leave more space, and punish anyone who tries to defend passively. While this has frustrated many players, it actually rewards those who learn how to defend manually, patiently, and intelligently.

If you're conceding more goals than ever, don't worry — you don't need complex tactics or gimmicks. You just need to master the buy FC 26 Coins core principles below. These are the only defense tips you need to stay solid in FC 26.

1. Stop Defending With Center-Backs First

One of the biggest mistakes players make after the AI nerf is instantly switching to their center-backs. When you pull a CB out of position, the AI will not cover the space behind you anymore — and that's how through balls become guaranteed goals.

What to do instead

Defend with your CDMs and CMs first

Use them to block passing lanes and delay the attack

Only switch to CBs when the attacker is already in the box or breaking through

This keeps your defensive shape intact and forces opponents to work harder to find space.

2. Jockeying Is Your New Best Friend

With AI pressure reduced, jockey defending is now the most important defensive mechanic in FC 26. Spamming tackles is a fast way to get beaten.

How to jockey correctly

Hold L2 / LT to stay balanced

Stay an arm's length away from the attacker

Move side to side instead of charging forward

Add R2 / RT only when you need to match pace

Jockeying allows you to react to skill moves, fake shots, and direction changes without committing too early. Most goals are conceded because defenders dive in — not because jockeying failed.

3. Delay the Attack, Don't Win the Ball Immediately

After the AI defending nerf, defending is about buying time, not instantly winning possession. The longer you delay, the more likely your midfielders and fullbacks recover into position.

Key mindset change

You don't need to tackle right away

Force attackers sideways or backward

Let them make the first mistake

By slowing the play down, you reduce the effectiveness of pace abuse and cutback goals, which are more dangerous when defenders are spread out.

4. Master Right Stick Player Switching

Player switching has become more important than ever in FC 26. Since AI players won't auto-cover as well, you must manually control the right defender at the right time.

Why right stick switching matters

It's faster and more precise than L1/LB switching

Lets you instantly block passing lanes

Helps you track runners before they receive the ball

Spend time practicing right stick switching in offline matches or skill games. Once it becomes muscle memory, your defensive reactions will feel instant instead of delayed.

5. Use Second Man Press Sparingly

Second Man Press (R1 / RB) is still useful — but dangerous if abused. With AI defending nerfed, calling a teammate to press can easily pull players out of position.

Best ways to use it

Apply it briefly, not constantly

Use it near the sidelines to trap attackers

Combine it with manual positioning to cut passing options

Think of second man press as a tool to force mistakes, not something that wins the ball on its own.

6. Stop Sprinting on Defense

Sprint defending is one of the biggest reasons players struggle in FC 26. Sprinting reduces turning speed and makes defenders overcommit.

When NOT to sprint

Inside the box

When facing a skill-heavy attacker

When jockeying in tight spaces

Sprint only when chasing a through ball or matching a straight-line run. Controlled movement beats raw speed in almost every defensive situation.

7. Positioning Beats Tackling

Tackling is weaker this year, especially if mistimed. Instead of focusing on winning the ball, focus on being in the right place.

Defensive positioning tips

Stand between the attacker and goal

Angle your defender to block shooting lanes

Force attackers onto their weaker foot

Push play wide instead of central

Most goals are prevented before a tackle is ever made.

8. Defend the Cutback First

Cutback goals are still deadly in FC 26, and the AI won't automatically cover them anymore.

How to stop cutbacks

Manually track runners into the box

Switch to defenders marking the passing lane

Don't chase the ball blindly toward the byline

If you stop the cutback, you stop the most common way people score.

9. Keep Your Defensive Shape Simple

You don't need extreme custom tactics to defend well after the AI nerf.

Safe defensive setup

Balanced or slightly lower defensive depth

Fullbacks on “Stay Back”

At least one CDM in your formation

This keeps your team compact and reduces the space opponents can exploit.

Final Thoughts

The AI defending nerf in EA FC 26 didn't break defending — it exposed bad habits. If you relied on  buy Fut 26 Coins auto-press, tackle spam, or CB rushing in previous games, FC 26 will punish you. But if you embrace manual control, patience, and positioning, defending becomes more rewarding and consistent than ever.

Focus on jockeying, smart switching, delaying attacks, and protecting your shape. Master these fundamentals, and you'll concede fewer goals — even against the sweatiest opponents.