FIFA 23 Best Formations (Top 15 Strongest Formations)

Updated:

11 Dec 2023

EA Sports FIFA 23 has been in the market for quite a while. After playing the game for a time, we found some meta formations. To win a game, you’ll need a strong and balanced formation. This article will cover the top 15 meta formation in FIFA 23.

15. The 5-3-2 Formation

The 5-3-2 formation has five defenders, three central midfielders, and two strikers. Looking at it, you can't tell that the formation is very strong defensively. The backline has three CBs and an RWB, and an LWB. Your wing-backs can provide defensive cover while pushing upfield to provide attacking support.

The 5-3-2 needs versatile central midfielders who can create chances for the forwards and support the defense. Luca Modric and Toni Kroos are good examples. Your two forwards should always stay forward for attacks.

What makes the 5-3-2 formation great?

The formation has a solid defense with five defenders. You can pierce through any defense with a creative midfield and two forwards up front.
The three central midfielders can create scoring opportunities for the two forwards.
The formation allows a defensively solid playing style to come in clutch when defending a lead.

See the 5-3-2 formation in action:

14. The 3-4-3 Formation

Three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards make up this formation. It is ideal for players who want to play attacking football and score goals. The four midfielders can support and create scoring opportunities, while the three strikers offer a strong offensive threat.

The three defenders can offer support and cover defensively. A high defensive line should be fine for the three defenders.

What makes the 3-4-3 a great formation?

The formation is well-suited for attacking play and scoring goals.
The three forwards can create a potent attacking threat.
The four midfielders can provide support and create scoring opportunities.
The formation allows for counter-attacking football.
The formation can provide flexibility in terms of formation changes during a match.

See the 3-4-3 in action:

13. The 3-5-2 Formation

This formation allows you to play with three defenders, five midfielders, and two strikers. It works well for teams that want to control the middle of the field and create opportunities there. The five midfielders provide scoring possibilities for the two forwards while offering a strong defensive foundation. The three defenders can offer support and cover defensively.

What makes the 3-5-2 a great formation?

The formation is well-balanced, with a solid defense, creative midfield, and potent attack.
The five midfielders provide a solid defensive base and can create scoring opportunities for the forwards.
The formation allows for various playing styles, including counter-attacking and possession-based play.
The two forwards playing together can create problems for the opposition's defense.

See the 3-5-2 in action:

12. The 3-4-2-1 Formation

The 3-4-2-1 is a meta formation used by most pros in FIFA Ultimate Team. You will play with three defenders, four midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and a lone striker. Just like the 3-5-2, this formation is best suited for players who want to control the midfield and open up scoring opportunities should use this formation. The four midfielders serve as a strong defensive foundation, while the two attacking midfielders can open up scoring possibilities for the lone striker. The three defenders can offer support and cover defensively with the support of the midfield.

What makes the 3-4-2-1 formation amazing?

The two attacking midfielders can create scoring opportunities for the lone striker.
The formation allows for a possession-based playing style and fast breakout counter-attacks.
The formation is flexible and can adapt to different playing styles.
The three defenders can provide cover and support in defense.
The formation is well-balanced, with a solid defense, creative midfield, and lone striker.

See the 3-4-2-1 formation in action:

11. The 4-3-3 Holding Formation

The 4-3-3 Holding variation is a commonly used formation in the FIFA franchise. It has a balanced shape with four defenders, a CDM, two CMs, two wingers on both flanks and a striker. You can instruct your CDM to stay back while attacking or drop between defenders for more defensive cover. Ensure you have versatile central midfielders who can create chances for the forwards and support the defense.

What makes the 4-3-3 Holding a great formation?

The formation is well-balanced, with a solid defense, creative midfield, and three forwards up front.
The defensive central midfielder can provide a solid defensive base.
The formation allows for a possession-based playing style.
The formation is flexible and can adapt to different playing styles.
The full-backs provide width and support in attack and defense.

See the 4-3-3 Holding in action:

10. The 4-1-4-1 Formation

This system comprises four defenders, one defensive midfielder, four central midfielders, and a lone striker. It works well for teams that aim to play a possession-based game and control the midfield. While the four central midfielders can create scoring opportunities and serve as a strong defensive foundation, the lone striker can hold up the ball and bring the midfielders into play. The defensive midfielder should be comfortable sitting deep and breaking up opposition attacks.

What makes the 4-1-4-1 a great formation?

The four central midfielders can create scoring opportunities and provide a solid defensive base.
The formation allows for a possession-based playing style.
The formation is flexible and can adapt to different playing styles.
The lone striker can hold up the ball and bring the midfielders into play.

See the 4-1-4-1 in action:

9. The 4-4-1-1 Formation

The 4-4-1-1 formation has four defenders, four midfielders, one CF, and a lone striker.

You can provide opportunities for the striker with the help of creative offensive midfielders who can also assist the central midfielders in defense. The lone striker should be able to keep possession of the ball and include the midfielders in action. Also, the full-backs must possess strong offensive and defensive skills.

What makes the 4-4-1-1 formation great?

The formation is well-balanced, with a solid defense, creative midfield, and lone striker.
The attacking midfielder can create scoring opportunities for the lone striker.
The formation allows for a possession-based playing style.
The formation is flexible and can adapt to different playing styles.
The full-backs provide width and support in attack and defense.

See the 4-4-1-1 formation in action:

8. The 4-5-1 Formation

The 4-5-1 defensive formation emphasizes maintaining a strong defensive shape while also offering a strong attacking presence. The system consists of four defenders, five midfielders, and one striker; it is balanced and compact, making it perfect for teams that want to play counter-attacking.

It's crucial to keep a solid defensive shape and be patient when attacking when using the 4-5-1 formation. To offer the lone striker the best chance of scoring, it is crucial to pass and cross precisely when there is only one striker on the field. To ensure the defense is not readily broken, the midfielders must track back and offer defensive support when needed.

What makes the 4-5-1 a great formation?

Compact and balanced setup that provides a strong defensive presence
Ideal for teams that prefer a counter-attacking style of play
The lone striker can provide a focal point for counter-attacks and create scoring opportunities

See the 4-5-1 in action:

7. The 4-2-3-1 Wide Formation

The wide variation of the 4-2-3-1 consists of four defenders, two central midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and a lone striker. Unlike the narrow variation with three CAMs, the wide variation has one CAM, LM, and an RM. This formation is perfect for teams that want to play with a possession-based style because the wide placement of the attacking midfielders allows for greater width and inventiveness in the attack.

You must maintain a solid, quick passing game to keep possession and create opportunities when playing the 4-2-3-1 Wide configuration.

What makes the 4-2-3-1 Wide a great formation?

Attacking formation that features three attacking midfielders and a lone striker
The wide positioning of attacking midfielders allows for greater creativity and width in attack.
Two central midfielders provide a solid defensive foundation while also linking up with the attacking midfielders and striker in the attack.

See the 4-2-3-1 Wide formation in action:

6. The 4-4-2 Formation

This formation comprises four defenders, a diamond-shaped midfield, and two forwards. You can choose a balance of holding and attacking midfielders in the four midfield spots. This formation is ideal for teams who prefer to play through the middle and control the midfield. The two attackers can collaborate to create scoring opportunities, while the diamond midfield offers various passing options. The holding midfielder is a reliable defensive barrier in front of the back four.

When using the 4-4-2 formation, ensure you have a strong central midfield with good passing and defensive abilities. The attacking midfielder should be creative and able to link up with the forwards.

What makes the 4-4-2 a great formation?

The diamond midfield provides plenty of passing options and control of the middle of the pitch.
The two forwards can work together to create scoring opportunities.
The holding midfielder provides a solid defensive shield.
The formation allows for a possession-based playing style.
The attacking midfielder can be the creative force behind the team's success.

See the 4-4-2 formation in action:

5. The 4-2-2-2 Formation

The 4-2-2-2 formation is another meta formation abused by most Fut Champs players on the FIFA Ultimate team. It comprises four defenders, two holding midfielders, two central attacking midfielders, and two side-by-side forwards. Creative center attacking midfielders who can connect with the attackers and support in defense are essential for this formation to function well. The defense and passing skills of the holding midfielders should be strong. Also, the full-backs must possess strong offensive and defensive skills.

What makes the 4-2-2-2 an amazing formation?

The formation is well-balanced, with a solid defense, creative midfield, and potent attack.
The two strikers playing side by side can create problems for the opposition's defense.
The two central attacking midfielders can create scoring opportunities for the strikers and provide support in defense.
The formation allows for various playing styles, including counter-attacking and possession-based play.
The holding midfielders provide a solid defensive shield.

See the 4-2-2-2 formation in action:

4. The 4-3-2-1 Formation

The 4-3-2-1 is my personal favorite. I love using it when playing online Fut drafts on the FIFA Ultimate team. It gives you a well-balanced defensive and attacking shape. It comprises four defenders, three CMs, two CFs, and a ST. If used well, the three attackers pose a potent threat to any opposing defense. Ensure you have creative CMs who can drop deep to provide defensive cover to your backline.

What makes the 4-3-2-1 formation great?

The lone striker should be able to hold up the ball and bring the midfielders into play.
The formation is well-balanced, with a solid defense, creative midfield, and lone striker upfront.
The three central midfielders provide a solid defensive shield.
The two attacking midfielders can create scoring opportunities for the lone striker.
The formation allows for a possession-based playing style

See the 4-3-2-1 formation in action:

3. The 4-3-3 Attack Formation

This variation of the 4-3-3 formation consists of four defenders, two CMs, a CAM, and three forwards. Unlike the holding variation, the attack does not have a CDM but instead has a CAM. This formation is excellent for teams with strong wingers, allowing them to push forward and create scoring opportunities. The attacking midfielder is also a key player in this formation, as they can create chances for the forwards and link up with the midfield. The defensive midfielder provides a solid shield in front of the back four.

What makes the 4-3-3 Attack a great formation?

The formation is well-balanced, with a solid defense, creative midfield, and potent attack.
The attacking trio of forwards and wingers can create chances and score goals.
The midfield is versatile and can transition from defense to attack quickly.
The formation allows for various playing styles, including counter-attacking and possession-based play.

See the 4-3-3 Attack in action:

2. The 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow Formation

The 4-1-2-1-2 narrow formation has been in FIFA for ages. This meta formation is well poised for counterattacking football with fast breakouts. Make sure you have fast and agile attackers in your squad. The CDM can partner with the four defenders to provide defensive cover when you are advancing in attacks.

What makes the 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow a great formation?

Attacking formation that features two strikers and an attacking midfielder
Compact and balanced setup that is ideal for teams that like to play with a quick passing game
The defensive midfielder provides a solid foundation for the defense and helps to start attacks from deep

See the 4-1-2-1-2 narrow formation in action:

1. The 4-2-3-1 Narrow Formation

The 4-2-3-1 narrow formation is the best in FIFA. I stand corrected thou. It has been the top formation for a while now. The 4-2-3-1 narrow, unlike the wide variation, has three CAMs. When using the 4-2-3-1 Narrow formation, it's important to be flexible and adaptable to different opposition tactics. The two central midfielders should be disciplined in their defensive duties while providing a platform for attacking play. The three attacking midfielders should be creative and dynamic in their play, supporting the lone striker and creating scoring opportunities.

What makes the 4-2-3-1 Narrow a great formation?

A versatile formation that can adapt to different playing styles and opposition tactics
Two central midfielders provide a solid foundation for the team's defense and help start deep attacks.
Three attacking midfielders provide the creative spark for the team's attacking play and can help defend when required.

See the 4-2-3-1 Narrow formation in action: