FIFA 22 Best Defensive Formations (Top 10 Strongest Formations)

Updated:

16 May 2022

FIFA 22 Best Defensive Formations

It’s been seven months since EA sports released FIFA 22. With all the updates and patches, the game has evolved. With that being said, let us look at the top 10 defensive formations you can get on the game.

10. 3-5-2

Although the 3-5-2 is more leaned on the attacking side, it still has some defensive elements. The two CDMs can act as extra defenders when you instruct them to drop between defenders. You can also instruct your wingers to come back on defense for a backline boost. However, you will need pacey wingers with solid defensive stats.

What makes it a defensive formation?

You have two CDMs for backline support.
You can instruct your wingers to come back on defense for extra support.
You can play three CBs, unlike four at the back formations.

Why 3-5-2 is the NEW BEST Meta Formation To Give You Wins (TACTICS) - FIFA 22

9. 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow

This formation allows you to use RBs and LBs, unlike the three at the back-formation. Additionally, you have one CDM close to your backline, making it hard for your opponent’s attackers to pass through. Make sure your CBs have solid defensive and physicals stats. It is always a good practice instructing your fullbacks to stay back while attacking to avoid getting caught on the break.

What makes it a defensive formation?

The formation has four defenders.
It has a CDM for extra defensive support.
You can instruct your fullbacks to stay behind while attacking.

Custom formation

8. 4-2-2-2

The 4-2-2-2 is a compact formation with a blend of defensive and attacking elements. Two CDMs are always better than one. The formation is solid at the back and gives room for a smooth transition from the defensive third to the attacking half.

What makes it a defensive formation?

It has four defenders at the back
It has two CDMs for that extra support.
Very hard to get dispossessed.

The 4-2-2-2

7. 4-2-3-1 Narrow

I have been using the 4-2-3-1 narrow variation since FIFA 17, and I can safely say it is the best for beginners. I still use it as a balanced formation since it packs a punch on the attacking side while offering a formidable defense. The three CAM positions and two CDMs ensure a smooth transition from defending to attacking and vice versa.

What makes the formation ideal for attacking?

It has three CAM positions.
The two CDMs make it hard to reach the back-line
Your squad is well spread out, filling empty areas on the pitch

FIFA 22 | *UNSTOPPABLE* 4-2-3-1 Custom Tactics and Instructions (Post Patch) - FIFA 22 ULTIMATE TEAM

6. 4-2-3-1 Wide

The 4-2-3-1 Wide is a less attack-oriented formation compared to the Narrow variation. Instead of three CAM, you have two wingers and one CAM. You can instruct the wingers to come back on defense. Add two CDMs to the mix, and you have a solid defensive shape.

What makes the formation defensive?

The formation has two CDMs.
You can instruct your wingers to come back on defense for extra support
The formation has four defenders

*NEW* BEST OVERPOWERED 4-2-3-1 CUSTOM TACTICS + PLAYER INSTRUCTIONS! - FIFA 22 BEST FORMATION (META)

5. 4-3-3 Holding

Next up is the Holding variation of the 4-3-3 formation. The formation offers more midfield support with two back-to-back CMs and one CDM. Coupled with four defenders at the back, this formation spells out ‘headache’ for your opponent.

What makes it an excellent defensive formation?

Has one CDM and two CMs.
Has four defenders at the back.
Wingers can offer support to your defense.

4-3-3 holding review

4. 4-3-3 Defend

This is a more defensive-oriented variation of the 4-3-3 base formation. It is much better than the holding formation since it has two CDMs. Your LW and RW players can come back on defense. If you are not good with one on one defending with CBs, this is one of the best options.

What makes it a defensive formation?

It has four defenders at the back
It has two CDMs for extra defense support.
Wingers can come back on defense during counter-attacks.

4-3-4 Defend review

3. 5-2-1-2

The 5-2-1-2 is arguably one of the best-defensive formations with five defenders at the back. If you love catching your opponents on counter-attacks or tiki-taka, this is the formation for you. With a CAM spot and two strikers, you can easily tear down your opponent's defense with short passes and forward runs into the box. Of course, you will need a technical CAM like Bruno Fernandes or De Bruyne.

What makes the 5-2-1-2 formation ideal for defending?

It has five defenders at the back.
Your CMs can offer defensive support before your opponent reaches your backline.
You can instruct your wing-backs to stay back while attacking.

Why 5-2-1-2 Is The New Deadly META That Is Still Undefendable 4 Years Later (TACTICS) - FIFA 22

2. 5-2-3

The 5-2-3 formation is ideal for newbies who want an attacking formation while still retaining a defensive shape while upfield. The five defenders will stay back while the rest of the squad is on an attack. You can use a CDM in the central CB position to solidify your backline.

Why is the 5-2-3 formation ideal for attacking?

It has five defenders and three attackers.
The wing-back positions make the formation ideal for counter-attacks
You can use a CDM as a defender while having two box-to-box CMs in midfield

Fifa 22 5-2-3 Formation - how to convert 5-2-3 Into 4-2-1-3 when countering & 5-3-2 when defending

1. 5-3-2

Wrapping up our guide is the 5-3-2 formation. Some of you may not agree but personally, this is the best defensive formation. I love it because of the three CM positions and the five defenders at the back. Do not get me wrong, you still need a CDM, but the extra CB fills out the position well for me, allowing me to add more attacking CMs to my squad.

What makes it an excellent defensive formation?

It has defenders at the back.

You can instruct one of your CMs to get forward for more attacking support while maintaining a defensive shape.

Your wing-backs can offer support when caught on a break by an opponent.