Whether you like it or not, the outcome of a football match is usually tied to the way in which your starting 11 line up against their opponents. Whether you’re playing four at the back or looking to play the ball out wide, picking the best FIFA 22 formations can lead to a swift victory in the likes of Division Rivals and Weekend League.
But, as long-time footballers will know, picking just one formation isn’t going to cut it these days – especially as the FIFA 22 meta evolves over time. Instead, you’re going to want to learn how to chop and change your tactics mid-match, so you can gain the upper hand on your opponent – either to claw back control or secure victory.
So which formations should you use in your next match? Read on for everything you need to know about match tactics, including the best FIFA 22 formations and how to set them up.
Here are the best FIFA 22 formations:
- 4-3-3
- 4-4-2
- 4-2-3-1
- 4-1-2-1-2 (wide)
4-3-3
The 4-3-3 is an underused formation, but one that has proved to be very effective in FIFA 22. While you’ll need to play around with custom tactics to truly master the formation, if done right, it is incredibly hard to counter.
While you’re attacking, having your full backs on stay back while attacking, and make sure one of your midfielders is set to stay central and drop back between the defenders when needed.
In attack, you’ll need pacey wingers who can cut inside for this to work so if you’ve got the club for it – give it a shot.
4-4-2
The fan favourite formation of FIFA 21 makes a return in FIFA 22, since it offers highly effective attacking tactics.
4-4-2 does leave your defence a tad open though, so you’ll want to make sure you tweak your custom tactics so that your fullbacks stay back while attacking and your wingers cut inside. Your midfielders should be set to cover the centre, and your strikers should be set to stay forward and get in behind.
With these custom tactics, your midfielders should be good in both attack and defence, and they’ll naturally be able to create build up play that’ll lead to goals.
4-3-2-1
If you prefer quick football that’s built on counter-attacking play, you should give 4-3-2-1 a try. This formation aims to suffocate the defence with a narrow front three while offering plenty of attacking options. For custom settings, we’d recommend setting your width to 40 and your depth to 65.
In terms of instructions, ask your LF and RF to stay central and get in behind, and your central CM should stay back while attacking. Your fullbacks should also stay back while attacking.
However, if you’re not the best in defence, you might want to rethink this formation. 4-3-2-1 can create some holes – especially if your full-backs are pulled into midfield.
4-1-2-1-2 (wide)
This formation is a classic and therefore will not go out of style. Since it’s easy to squeeze your players into key positions perfect for counter-attacking football, it should come as no surprise to see 4-1-2-1-2 (wide) on our list of the best FIFA 22 formations.
The two wingers which join the strikers up front create problems for the defence – but to consistently create attacking threats, you’ll want to pick the best FIFA 22 wingers with a lot of stamina. You’ll also want to set them to cut inside and get behind. For your midfield, your CDM should cover the centre and stay back while you attack, and your CM should get into the box for crosses and get forward to help with attacking play.
That’s everything you need to know about the best FIFA 22 formations, but we’ll keep this guide up to date as the game changes with each and every patch.
While you’re here though, make sure you’ve got the best possible players in your team with our best FIFA 22 goalkeepers and best FIFA 22 strikers guides.