FM26 Player Roles: What's New, Changed & Removed

Tactical Overhaul or Terminology Overhaul?

Football Manager 2026 just might turn out to be the most tactically innovative version to date. Thanks to a leak found by Smiteras and shared on the Sports Interactive Forums (the post somehow vanished 2 days later), we now get to see what could be player roles completely reimagined.

FM26 isn’t just tweaking tactics, it’s flipping the whole playbook over. If the leak is true, we're in for a tactical playground like never before. If you've spent more hours than you'd like to admit tweaking roles in FM, this new set of player instructions would have to be like Christmas morning.

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Whether it’s a full rewrite or a smart rewording, one thing’s for sure: your tactics are about to get a severe shake-up. Well, it could be a bit of both actually; reconfiguring the role system but also streamlining it for clarity and on-boarding. Either way, it's quite exciting.

The Leak: Confirmed

In August, a hidden FMDB translation file leaked over 40 new FM26 roles. The leak was genuine - and the reality is even bigger. With the In Possession/Out of Possession system now confirmed, FM26's tactical overhaul goes far beyond simple role renaming.

Football Manager 26 News

Understanding the In Possession/Out of Possession System

Football Manager 26 introduces the most significant tactical overhaul in the series' history: the separation of player roles into In Possession (IP) and Out of Possession (OOP) phases.

This isn't just a cosmetic change. It fundamentally transforms how you build tactics by acknowledging what modern football has known for years: players perform different roles depending on whether your team has the ball.

How It Works

Every outfield player now has TWO role selections:

• In Possession Role: What your player does when your team has the ball (attacking, creating, positioning for buildup)


• Out of Possession Role: What your player does when the opposition has the ball (pressing, covering space, defensive shape)

Why This Matters

Previously, FM roles tried to compress both phases into a single selection with duty modifiers (Defend/Support/Attack). This often led to compromises. Want an attacking fullback who also tracks back? You had to pick between Full-Back (Attack) or Wing-Back with instructions.

Now, you can have a Full-Back (IP) who overlaps and creates chances, paired with a Pressing Full-Back (OOP) who aggressively engages opponents high up the pitch. Or keep the same Full-Back (IP) but pair it with Holding Full-Back (OOP) for a more conservative defensive approach.

The Key Shift in Thinking

• Creative roles from FM24 (playmakers, attacking duties) → Now primarily IP roles


• Defensive duties from FM24 (tracking back, pressing) → Now OOP roles


• Support duties from FM24 → Often split between balanced IP and Tracking OOP roles


• Attack duties from FM24 → Often become Outlet OOP roles (stay high for counters)

This system gives you granular control over every phase of play without needing dozens of player instructions. It's closer to how real managers think about tactics.

FM24 vs FM26 Comparison Guide

FM26 Player Roles Guide

Football Manager 2026 is revamping the tactical playbook.With the leaked file, we can now see detailed descriptions of every role in the game, some of which are new to the playbook.

No matter whether you want to press, defend, or build, FM26 offers you more tools than ever before to build systems that embrace the fluidity and sophistication of modern-day football. It gives you the freedom to build systems that are attack-minded, reactive, or utterly unconventional.

Or at least in theory; it remains to be seen once the game is out.

In this article, I'm breaking down the information in a more intuitive way using a brief description and an indication of whether the role is new or not. Followed by tactical insights, role comparisons and what combos would be fun to try when FM26 comes out.

Let’s dive in!

FM 26 Goalkeeper Roles

Role	Description	New?
Goalkeeper	Balanced role, distributes according to team strategy	No
Line-Holding Keeper	Remains in the box, avoids field play beyond the box	✓ Yes
No-Nonsense GK	Plays safe, avoids risky passes	✓ Yes
Sweeper Keeper	Actively intercepts and challenges attackers	No
Ball-Playing GK	Engages in build-up play, plays like an outfield player	No

FM2026 Centre-Back Roles

Role	Description	New?
Centre-Back	Balanced defender who assists in gaining possession	No
No-Nonsense CB	Clears danger, avoids risky passes	No
Covering CB	Holds line, reacts to attackers	No
Stopping CB	Steps out to challenge attackers early	No
Ball-Playing CB	Sends line-breaking passes, drives ball forward	No
Overlapping CB	Joins attack, overlaps to wide areas	No
Advanced CB	Breaks into DM role in build-up	✓ Yes
Wide CB	Provides width and recycling options	No
Covering Wide CB	Holds the line, cautious positioning	No
Stopping Wide CB	Challenges attackers early, aggressive	No

FM 2026 Full-Back Roles

Role	Description	New?
Full-Back	Balanced role, supports attack with overlaps	No
Holding Full-Back	Stays deeper while team presses	✓ Yes
Inside Full-Back	Tucked behind CB line for build-up	✓ Yes
Inverted Full-Back	Moves up to support midfield	No
Pressing Full-Back	Supports high up the pitch and assists press	✓ Yes

FM26 Wing-Back Roles

Role	Description	New?
Wing-Back	Combines Full-Back and Winger duties; overlaps and supports attacks	No
Holding Wing-Back	Stays deeper while team presses; takes up some of backline	✓ Yes
Inside Wing-Back	Shuttles between center to support passing and counter-defend	✓ Yes
Inverted Wing-Back	Similar to Inside WB; plays like a defensive midfielder	No
Pressing Wing-Back	Presses wide players high up the pitch; supports pressing systems	✓ Yes
Playmaking Wing-Back	Central hub of passing play; creates attacking chances with through balls and crosses	✓ Yes
Advanced Wing-Back	Springs high and wide; plays like a wide midfielder	✓ Yes

FM 26 Defensive Midfield Roles

Role	Description	New?
Defensive Midfielder	Shields defense, strings play along with simple passes	No
Dropping DM	Goes back into backline when under pressure	✓ Yes
Screening DM	Stands in the central zone, cutting off passing lanes	✓ Yes
Wide Covering DM	Shifts wide to assist fullbacks	✓ Yes
Half-Back	Drops between CBs during build-up	No
Pressing DM	Moves forward to press high	✓ Yes
Deep-Lying Playmaker	Begins attacks deep with pin-point passes	No

FM2026 Central Midfield Roles

Role	Description	New?
Central Midfielder	Balanced role, supports both defense and attack	No
Screening CM	Blocks central zone, cuts off passing lanes	✓ Yes
Wide Covering CM	Shifts wide to give defensive protection to flanks	✓ Yes
Box-to-Box Midfielder	Covers entire pitch, arrives late in attack	No
Box-to-Box Playmaker	Creative presence, drops deep and pushes forward	✓ Yes
Channel Midfielder	Makes underlapping runs into wide channels	✓ Yes
Midfield Playmaker	Creative link, switches into AM role	✓ Yes
Pressing CM	Steps up to press high	✓ Yes

FM 2026 Wide Midfield Roles

Role	Description	New?
Wide Midfielder	Plays deeper, delivers crosses from wide	No
Tracking Wide Midfielder	Drops deep to defend	✓ Yes
Wide Central Midfielder	Operates wide in midfield trio, helps build-up	✓ Yes
Wide Outlet Midfielder	Stays high while avoiding defensive duties	✓ Yes

FM26 Attacking Midfielder Roles

Role	Description	New?
Attacking Midfielder	Works between lines, creates space	No
Tracking AM	Drops deep to help defend	✓ Yes
Advanced Playmaker	Creates in high central areas	No
Central Outlet AM	Remains high while avoiding defensive duties	✓ Yes
Splitting Outlet AM	Remains high and goes wide for counters	✓ Yes
Free Role	Roams creatively, disrupts shape	✓ Yes

FM 26 Winger Roles

Role	Description	New?
Winger	Stretches play, delivers crosses	No
Half-Space Winger	Moves inwards with the overlapping fullbacks	✓ Yes
Inside Winger	Similar to Half-Space Winger, central movement	✓ Yes
Inverting Outlet Winger	Stays high, moves inward for counters	✓ Yes
Tracking Winger	Drops deep for defensive cover	✓ Yes
Wide Outlet Winger	Stays high, does not engage in defense	✓ Yes
Wide Playmaker	Starts wide, drifts inside to create	✓ Yes
Wide Forward	Wide attacker making runs into the box	✓ Yes
Inside Forward	Cuts inside to attack central spaces	No

FM2026 Striker Roles

Role	Description	New?
False Nine	Drops deep, creates space and chances	No
Deep-Lying Forward	Connects midfield and attack, distributes play	No
Half-Space Forward	Wide attacker who cuts in to score	✓ Yes
Second Striker	Drops deep in space early, runs up to score	✓ Yes
Channel Forward	High-energy runner into wide channels	✓ Yes
Centre Forward	Classic No. 9, leads the line	No
Central Outlet CF	Remains high, avoids defensive work	✓ Yes
Splitting Outlet CF	Remains high and drifts wide for counters	✓ Yes
Tracking CF	Drops deep to assist in defense	✓ Yes
Target Forward	Physical presence, aerial threat	No
Poacher	Remains in the centre, looks to score	No

FM26 Team Instructions Complete Guide

FM24 → FM26 Role Mapping & New Options

The IP/OOP split means many FM24 roles have been transformed or split into phase-specific versions. Here's your quick reference for what's changed at each position, including brand new roles that didn't exist in FM24.

Goalkeepers

FM24 Roles:

• Goalkeeper (Defend) → Goalkeeper + Goalkeeper
  
• Sweeper Keeper (all duties) → Sweeper Keeper + Sweeper Keeper
  

New in FM26:

• Line-Holding Keeper (stays in box, minimal sweeping)
  
• No-Nonsense Goalkeeper (safety-first distribution)
  
• Ball-Playing Goalkeeper (joins buildup actively)
  

Centre-Backs

FM24 Roles:

• Central Defender (Defend) → Centre-Back + Centre-Back
  
• Ball-Playing Defender → Ball-Playing CB + Covering CB
  
• No-Nonsense Centre-Back → No-Nonsense CB + No-Nonsense CB
  
• Libero → Overlapping CB/Advanced CB + Covering CB
  

New in FM26:

• Advanced CB (transitions into DM during buildup)
  
• Overlapping CB (joins attacks in wide areas)
  
• Wide CB variations (Covering/Stopping)
  

Full-Backs & Wing-Backs

FM24 Roles:

• Full-Back (Defend) → Full-Back + Full-Back
  
• Full-Back (Support) → Full-Back + Holding Full-Back
  
• Full-Back (Attack) → Full-Back + Pressing Full-Back
  
• Wing-Back (Defend) → Wing-Back + Holding Wing-Back
  
• Wing-Back (Support) → Wing-Back + Inside Wing-Back
  
• Wing-Back (Attack) → Advanced Wing-Back + Holding Wing-Back
  
• Inverted Wing-Back → Inverted Full-Back/Inside Full-Back + Inside Wing-Back
  
• Complete Wing-Back → Playmaking Wing-Back + Inside Wing-Back
  

New in FM26:

• Inside Full-Back (tucks into CB line)
  
• Pressing Full-Back (high engagement)
  
• Holding Full-Back (stays deeper during press)
  
• Playmaking Wing-Back (creative hub)
  
• Advanced Wing-Back (stays high and wide)
  

Defensive Midfielders

FM24 Roles:

• Defensive Midfielder (Defend) → Defensive Midfielder + Screening DM
  
• Anchor Man → Defensive Midfielder + Screening DM
  
• Half-Back → Half-Back + Half-Back
  
• Ball-Winning Midfielder → Defensive Midfielder + Pressing DM
  
• Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend) → Deep-Lying Playmaker + Screening DM
  
• Deep-Lying Playmaker (Support) → Deep-Lying Playmaker + Screening DM/Wide Covering DM
  
• Segundo Volante → Box-to-Box Playmaker + Pressing DM
  

New in FM26:

• Dropping DM (drops into backline under pressure)
  
• Screening DM (blocks passing lanes)
  
• Pressing DM (steps forward aggressively)
  
• Wide Covering DM (shifts wide to support fullbacks)
  

Central Midfielders

FM24 Roles:

• Central Midfielder (Defend) → Central Midfielder + Screening CM
  
• Central Midfielder (Support/Attack) → Central Midfielder + Box-to-Box Midfielder
  
• Box-to-Box Midfielder → Box-to-Box Midfielder + Box-to-Box Midfielder
  
• Advanced Playmaker → Midfield Playmaker/Advanced Playmaker + Tracking AM/Screening CM
  
• Mezzala → Channel Midfielder + Screening CM/Wide Covering CM
  
• Carrilero → Wide Covering CM + Wide Covering CM
  
• Roaming Playmaker → Midfield Playmaker/Box-to-Box Playmaker + Screening CM
  

New in FM26:

• Box-to-Box Playmaker (creative B2B variant)
  
• Pressing CM (steps forward to press)
  
• Screening CM (holds central zone)
  
• Wide Covering CM (shuttles wide defensively)
  
• Channel Midfielder (direct runs into channels)
  
• Midfield Playmaker (creative link player)
  

Attacking Midfielders

FM24 Roles:

• Attacking Midfielder (Support/Attack) → Attacking Midfielder + Tracking AM
  
• Enganche → Advanced Playmaker/Free Role + Tracking AM
  
• Trequartista → Advanced Playmaker/Free Role + Tracking AM
  
• Shadow Striker → Attacking Midfielder/Second Striker + Tracking AM/Pressing CM
  

New in FM26:

• Free Role (ultimate creative freedom)
  
• Tracking AM (drops deep defensively)
  
• Second Striker (goal-focused support striker)
  
• Central Outlet AM (stays high for counters)
  
• Splitting Outlet AM (stays high, drifts wide)
  

Wingers

FM24 Roles:

• Winger (Support/Attack) → Winger + Tracking Winger
  
• Inverted Winger → Inside Winger/Half-Space Winger + Tracking Winger
  
• Inside Forward → Inside Forward + Tracking Winger
  
• Wide Playmaker → Wide Playmaker/Playmaking Winger + Tracking Winger
  

New in FM26:

• Inside Winger (cuts inside regularly)
  
• Half-Space Winger (operates in half-spaces)
  
• Wide Forward (wide attacker, box runs)
  
• Playmaking Winger (creates from wide)
  
• Wide Outlet Winger (stays high and wide)
  
• Inside Outlet Winger (stays high, drifts central)
  
• Tracking Winger (drops deep defensively)
  

Strikers

FM24 Roles:

• Advanced Forward → Centre Forward + Central Outlet CF
  
• Poacher → Poacher + Central Outlet CF
  
• Complete Forward → Centre Forward + Tracking CF/Central Outlet CF
  
• Target Man → Target Forward + Target Forward
  
• False Nine → False Nine + Tracking CF
  
• Deep-Lying Forward → Deep-Lying Forward + Tracking CF
  
• Pressing Forward → Centre Forward + Tracking CF
  

New in FM26:

• Channel Forward (runs into wide channels)
  
• Half-Space Forward (drifts into half-spaces)
  
• Second Striker (drops early, pushes late)
  
• Splitting Outlet CF (stays high, drifts wide)
  
• Central Outlet CF (stays central and high)
  
• Tracking CF (drops deep defensively)
  

For a complete tactical conversion guide with detailed instructions, team shape considerations, and player instruction changes, check out our full article.

Converting FM24 Tactics to FM26

What's Been Removed from FM24

Football Manager 26 streamlines the role system by merging or removing several classic roles. Here's what's gone and where their functionality has moved:

Removed Roles

Mezzala → Replaced by Channel Midfielder

Segundo Volante → Merged into Box-to-Box Playmaker

Enganche → Absorbed into Advanced Playmaker / Free Role

Trequartista → Merged with Advanced Playmaker / Free Role

Carrilero → Renamed to Wide Covering CM

Why the Consolidation?

Sports Interactive has streamlined overlapping roles to reduce confusion, especially for new players.

Rather than having five different "creative midfielder" roles with subtle differences, FM26 groups similar functions together and lets you fine-tune with IP/OOP combinations.

For experienced players, this might feel like a loss of granularity at first. But the IP/OOP system actually gives you MORE control.

Instead of choosing between "Mezzala" and "Box-to-Box Midfielder," you can now create the exact hybrid you want by pairing Channel Midfielder (IP) with Box-to-Box Midfielder (OOP).

The roles aren't gone - they've evolved into a more flexible system.

FM26 Tactics Massive Overhaul

FM 26 Role Comparisons & Tactical Insights

• Inside vs Inverted Wing-Back: Functionally the same, the roles may differ depending on formation or set-piece tactics. Both play like Defensive Midfielders, with the Inside WB more passive in its approach while the Inverted WB is proactive in its support during build-up.


• Playmaking Wing-Back vs Inverted WB: Playmaking WB is more attacking and creative, being concerned with initiating attacks and delivering final balls. It's an on-steroids Trent Alexander-Arnold type of role.


• Advanced Wing-Back vs Classic WB: The Advanced WB doesn't drop deep in build-up. Instead, they stay high and wide to provide width and attacking intent right from the start; just the sort of player that would thrive in a possession-based or asymmetric system.


• Pressing Wing-Back vs Pressing Full-Back: Both roles maintain high pressing and are equally applicable from a backward zone perspective, but the Wing-Back is supposedly better for gegenpressing or 3-4-3 attacking teams.


• False Nine vs Deep-Lying Forward: Both drop deep, but the False Nine is creative and difficult to mark, while the DLF systematically links play.


• Half-Space Forward vs Inside Forward: The Half-Space Forward usually starts from a wider position and moves inward, making this type of attacker perfect for overlapping fullback systems. Generally, a more goal-oriented version of the Inside Forward.


• Second Striker vs Trequartista: Second Striker is more direct and focused on scoring goals, while the Trequartista (now moved to being perhaps combined with Free Role AM) was passive and knew how to create.


• Channel Forward vs Poacher: Channel Forward is agile and disruptive, pressing wide areas. The Poacher, on its part, remains central and waits for opportunities.


• Outlet Roles (Central/Splitting) vs Tracking CF: Outlet roles prefer counter-attacking positioning, while the Tracking CF is better utilized to give defensive security; therefore, they would suit onto pressing ones.

FM26 New Features Guide

What Should You Try First?

Some spicy combinations to try out upon FM26 release:

• 3-4-3 with Advanced Wing-Backs + Overlapping CBs for flanking overloads, stretching opponents with unforgiving wide runs.


• 4-2-3-1 with Playmaking Wing-Backs + Inside Wingers for the run-throughs of fullbacks as Inside Forwards cut in to finish centrally.


• 5-3-2 with Holding Wing-Backs + Advanced CBs for sound defensive structure and smooth transition into midfield control.


• 3-4-3 with Playmaking Wing-Back + Advanced CB for total football sensations.


• Pressing Fullback + Half-Space Winger to impose frantic pressure onto wide zones.


• 4-3-3 with Box-to-Box Playmaker + Channel Midfielder for vertical mobility and wide overload through dynamic midfield runs.


• 3-4-3 with Wide Covering DM + Wide Outlet Midfielder for balanced defensive coverage and forceful counter-attacks.


• 4-2-3-1 with Midfield Playmaker + Pressing CM to maintain control of the center while making sure the opponent finds it tough to build-up.


• 4-2-3-1 with Free Role AM + Wide Playmaker to feature breezy creativity from wide and central positions: suitable for possession-based systems.


• 4-3-3 with Half-Space Winger + Overlapping Wing-Back for layered wide attacks through inside movement and overlapping runs.


• 3-4-3 with Splitting Outlet AM + Wide Forward to attack flanks and stretch defenses with aggressive counter-attacking systems.


• 4-4-2 with Channel Forward + Second Striker to stretch the defenses and take advantage of the space with relentless movement.


• 4-2-3-1 with False Nine + Wide Forward to create space in the middle as wide players attack the box.


• 3-4-3 with Splitting Outlet CF + Half-Space Forward to build a mobile front line that drifts, presses, and counters with precision.


• 4-2-3-1 with Channel Forward + Free Role AM for chaos and creativity.

FM26 Early Access Explained

What to Expect on Release Day

With Early Access launching around October 21 and full release on November 4, here's what you should prepare for.

Expect a Learning Curve

Even veteran FM players will need time to adjust to IP/OOP thinking. Your first few tactics might feel awkward as you rewire your brain from single-role selections to phase-based thinking.

Tip: Start simple. Use matching role names for IP and OOP (like Centre-Back/Centre-Back) and gradually experiment with splitting duties once you understand how phases interact.

Your Old Tactics Won't Import Directly

FM24 saves won't be compatible, and even if you manually recreate your tactics, they'll need translation. Use the conversion guide above, but be prepared to iterate and adjust.

The Meta Will Shift

Tactics that dominated FM24 might not work the same way in FM26. The IP/OOP system fundamentally changes pressing, defensive shape, and transition play. Expect the community to spend weeks discovering new exploits and optimal combinations.

Experimentation Is King

The beauty of FM26's system is flexibility. Don't be afraid to try wild combinations:

• Overlapping CB (IP) + Pressing Full-Back (OOP) for aggressive wing attacks
  
• Playmaking Wing-Back (IP) + Holding Wing-Back (OOP) for controlled buildup with defensive security
  
• Advanced Playmaker (IP) + Pressing CM (OOP) for creative chaos that disrupts opponents
  

Football Manager 26 isn't just asking you to learn new role names. It's asking you to think about tactics the way modern football actually works: as two distinct phases that require different approaches.

And that's incredibly exciting.

Get Early Access to FM26

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