Build-Up Play: Counter Attack Mastery

One of the defining strengths of this system is its fluid counter-attack structure. The 4-2-2-2 naturally produces triangle passing lanes that allow lightning-fast build-up after regaining possession.

Recommended Team Tactics (Custom Tactics Menu):

Defensive Style: Balanced or Press After Possession Loss (depending on FC 26 Coins stamina management)

Width: 45

Depth: 65 – 70 (pushes your team up for compact defending and immediate counter potential)

Build-Up Play: Balanced or Counter Attack (Counter gives you direct transitions after winning the ball)

Chance Creation: Direct Passing – this keeps attackers active and offers clear runs between lines

Offensive Width: 50

Players in Box: 6

Corners: 2

Free Kicks: 2

With this setup, once your CDM intercepts or wins a tackle, the ball flows instantly through a CAM into one of your strikers — ideal for one-touch link-up and vertical counter attacks.

The CAMs: Creative Engines Everywhere

The two CAMs in this system are the heartbeat of your attack. Unlike wingers, they sit narrower, closer to your strikers, ensuring easy short passes and through-ball options at all times.

CAM Roles and Behavior:

Left CAM: Acts as a hybrid playmaker, feeding diagonal passes and overlapping the striker.

Right CAM: Often your finisher CAM — capable of cutting in and taking shots.

Custom Instructions:

Stay Forward – keeps them in the pocket for quick outlets.

Get Into the Box for Cross – supports double striker play.

Stick to Position – prevents them from drifting too wide.

By maintaining narrow positioning, your CAMs create a constant passing triangle with your two strikers and CDMs, allowing you to progress upfield effortlessly.

Strikers: Dual Threat Frontline

The 4-2-2-2 thrives on duality — one striker to hold up play, another to exploit space behind defenders.

Optimal Pairing:

Target Striker (ST1): Strong, good at hold-up and layoff play. (e.g., Kane, Osimhen, Haaland)

Runner Striker (ST2): Fast and agile for through balls. (e.g., Mbappé, Darwin Núñez, or Joao Pedro)

Custom Instructions:

ST1: Stay Central, Target Man, Mixed Attack

ST2: Stay Central, Get In Behind, Mixed Attack

This pairing ensures that one forward is always available to receive to cheap FIFA 26 Coins feet, while the other threatens the backline — forcing defenders to split their focus.