Wiki
Clubs & squads

Formations and positions

The twelve positions, the three formations, and how wing-backs fit as sided roles.

Every player has one natural position, drawn from twelve position codes across four lines. The lineup screen fills a formation from these positions, and wing-backs are first-class sided roles, not a stretch on the full-back slot.

The twelve positions

Keeper: GK. Defenders: CB, LB, RB, and the wing-backs LWB and RWB. Midfield: DM, CM, AM. Attack: LW, RW, ST.

Three formations

Every league picks from three formations: 4-4-2, 4-3-3, and 4-2-3-1. Back-three and wing-back-heavy shapes are a later phase, so for now every formation lines up behind a flat back four.

GKLBCBCBRBLMCMCMRMSTST
4-4-2: two banks of four in front of a flat back line, two strikers up top
GKLBCBCBRBDMCMCMLWSTRW
4-3-3: a midfield triangle feeding wide forwards either side of a lone striker
GKLBCBCBRBDMDMLWAMRWST
4-2-3-1: two holding midfielders shield a three behind a single striker

Wing-backs are sided roles

LWB and RWB aren't just "full-back but higher". They're their own positions with their own natural fit, and like LB/RB they want a matching foot on their side. A left-back can cover left wing-back and vice versa without much cost, but neither is a natural fit for the opposite side.

Related

Playing out of positionWhat it costs to field a player away from their natural role, and when it's worth it.Player attributesHow scout estimates, attribute groups, and simulation depth shape every player.

Updated 2026-07-27 · All articles