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FM26 Roles Leak – New Player Roles That Could Transform Your Tactics

Explore all player roles in FM26, including new ones like Playmaking Wing-Backs and Line-Holding Keepers. Full breakdown inside!
FM26 Roles Leak – New Player Roles That Could Transform Your Tactics

Discover every player role in FM26, including brand new additions like Playmaking Wing-Backs and Half-Space Forwards


Every Player Role in FM26 Explained – With All the New Additions


You know that feeling when you're tinkering with tactics in Football Manager and stumble upon a role you've never seen before? Well, thanks to a keen-eyed member of the community, we just got a massive leak of every player role coming to FM26 – and yes, there are loads of brand-new roles you’ve never used before.

Credit goes to Smiteras on the SI Forums, who dug up this goldmine from a hidden translation file on the FMDB site. You can read his original post here.

So what’s the big deal?

The file lists every role in FM26, including descriptions for each – and there are many brand-new roles that weren’t in FM24.

In this post, I’ll walk you through all of them. I’ll highlight the new roles (the ones never seen before) and give you tips on how you might use them in your FM saves.

Let’s dive into the tactical treasure chest...

Goalkeeper Roles in Football Manager 2026


Goalkeeper

The Goalkeeper can distribute the ball in many ways depending on the team's playing strategy. They look to provide a measured balance between staying in goal and moving in an attempt to receive the ball.

Line-Holding Keeper (NEW)

The Line-Holding Keeper is a Goalkeeper who primarily looks to stay within the confines of their own box, leaving the job of defending higher up the pitch to their teammates.

No-Nonsense Goalkeeper (NEW)

The No-Nonsense Goalkeeper adopts a cautious approach, preferring to stay nearer to their goal and taking as few risks as possible with the ball at their feet when put under pressure.

Sweeper Keeper

The Sweeper Keeper is a proactive Goalkeeper, regularly looking to come off their line to intercept opposition passes or to engage opposition strikers early.

Ball Playing Goalkeeper

The Ball Playing Goalkeeper looks to play an active role in their team's build-up play, often moving out of their goal to be in a position to receive the ball. Requiring exceptional technical ability with the ball at their feet, the Ball Playing Goalkeeper looks to act as an additional outfield player at times in order to help their team play through an opposition press.

Centre-Back Roles in Football Manager 2026


Centre-Back

The main job of the Centre-Back is to provide protection to the team, being in a position where they can be ready to react to attacking threats when the ball is turned over. However, especially for more aggressive tactics, they must also possess the composure to be able to help the team maintain possession and lay off simple passes to more creative players.

No-Nonsense Centre-Back

The main job of the No-Nonsense Centre-Back is to provide protection to the team, being in a position where they can be ready to react to attacking threats when the ball is turned over. With the ball they look to keep things simple. When put under pressure they will try their best to avoid giving the ball away in a dangerous position, instead being more willing to clear their lines or play a safer pass.

Covering Centre-Back

As a Cover, the Centre-Back is asked to adopt a more cautious approach, holding their line and waiting to react to the opposition attacker's movements.

Stopping Centre-Back

As a Stopper, the Centre-Back is asked to be more willing to step out from their position in order to hassle and engage opposition attackers, in an attempt to cut out attacks at source.

Ball Playing Centre-Back

The main job of the Ball-Playing Centre-Back is to provide protection to the team, being in a position where they can be ready to react to attacking threats when the ball is turned over. However, unlike standard central defenders, the Ball-Playing Defender is also encouraged to play line-breaking passes and through balls from deep to progress the ball. They also look to carry the ball forward when they have the opportunity to do so.

Overlapping Centre-Back

The main job of the Overlapping Centre-Back is to provide protection to the team, being in a position where they can be ready to react to attacking threats when the ball is turned over. However, in possession they are instructed to be more adventurous in attack, often getting in to crossing positions by making overlapping runs in the final third.

Advanced Centre-Back (NEW)

The main job of the Advanced Centre-Back is to provide protection to the team, being in a position where they can be ready to react to attacking threats when the ball is turned over. However the Advanced Centre-Back is a specialist role, acting as a traditional central defender during deep build-up before then moving forward into a defensive midfield position as their team progresses play up the pitch. Because of this, the role requires exceptional technical and mental skills that you'd typically expect of a midfield player. It's also important to ensure the team has sufficient coverage at centre-back, typically through the use of an Inverted Full-Back.

Wide Centre-Back Roles in FM26


Wide Centre-Back

The main job of the Wide Centre-Back is to provide protection to the team, being in a position where they can be ready to react to attacking threats when the ball is turned over. However, unlike standard central defenders the Wide Centre-Back is encouraged to provide width in possession and support to their wide attacking teammates ahead of them, often offering a recycling passing option from deep.

Covering Wide Centre-Back

As a Cover, the Wide Centre-Back is asked to adopt a more cautious approach, holding their line and waiting to react to the opposition attacker's movements.

Stopping Wide Centre-Back

As a Stopper, the Wide Centre-Back is asked to be more willing to step out from their position in order to hassle and engage opposition attackers, in an attempt to cut out attacks at source.


Full-Back Roles in Football Manager 2026


Full-Back

The Full-Back is a key player in modern football, having to supplement their traditional defensive duties with overlapping runs down the wing to support forward play and help attacks overload the final third. Although primarily a defensive player, they must be prepared to get forward when the team needs extra width.

Holding Full-Back (NEW)

As a Holder, the Full-Back is asked to hold a deeper position while their team is defending higher up the pitch, in order to provide additional protection against direct attacks. As the team are pressing the opposition during the early phases of their attack, the player looks to remain in their position more, allowing their teammates to play more aggressively knowing there's protection behind them.

Inside Full-Back (NEW)

The Inside Full-Back is a specialist role that moves to become an extra central defender during the attack. Often used by teams to provide additional protection against counter-attacks, the Inside Full-Back will initially position as a traditional Full-Back would during early build-up, before tucking inside to act as an additional Centre-Back as their team progresses play up the pitch.

Inverted Full-Back

The Inverted Full-Back is a specialist role that moves to become an extra central defender during the attack. Often used by teams to provide additional protection against counter-attacks, the Inverted Full-Back will initially position as a traditional Full-Back would during early build-up, before tucking inside to act as an additional Centre-Back as their team progresses play up the pitch.

Pressing Full-Back (NEW)

As a Presser, the Full-Back is asked to actively engage opposition wide players high up the pitch to support the team's press. The player will often take up a higher starting position during early phases of the opposition attack in order to be in a better position to engage players ahead of them. Because of this higher positioning, it's important to ensure that there's enough defensive cover behind them from their teammates.

Wing-Back Roles in FM26


Wing-Back

The Wing-Back combines the responsibilities of a Full-Back and a Winger, providing width to the team throughout the attack. During deep build-up, the Wing-Back looks to position alongside the defence to offer a passing option. However as play progresses up the pitch they are expected to get forward to join the attack, often making supporting runs in the final third.

Holding Wing-Back (NEW)

As a Holder, the Wing-Back is asked to hold a deeper position while their team is defending higher up the pitch, in order to provide additional protection against direct attacks. As the team are pressing the opposition during the early phases of their attack, the player looks to form part of the backline more, allowing their teammates to play more aggressively knowing there's protection behind them.

Inside Wing-Back (NEW)

The Inside Wing-Back looks to move into central areas of the pitch as their team progresses the ball up the pitch to support central passing networks, as well as providing vital protection against central counter-attacks when the ball is turned over. Because of these central movements, the Inside Wing-Back will rarely be looking to make overlapping attacking runs or playing crosses in from near the byline. Instead looking to act more like a defensive midfield player.

Inverted Wing-Back

The Inverted Wing-Back looks to move into central areas of the pitch as their team progresses the ball up the pitch to support central passing networks, as well as providing vital protection against central counter-attacks when the ball is turned over. Because of these central movements, the Inverted Wing-Back will rarely be looking to make overlapping attacking runs or playing crosses in from near the byline. Instead looking to act more like a defensive midfield player.

Pressing Wing-Back (NEW)

As a Presser, the Wing-Back is asked to aggressively engage opposition wide players high up the pitch to support the team's press. The player will often take up a higher starting position during early phases of the opposition attack in order to be in a better position to engage players ahead of them. Because of this higher positioning, it's important to ensure that there's enough defensive cover behind them from their teammates.

Playmaking Wing-Back (NEW)

Similar to the Inverted Wing-Back, the Playmaking Wing-Back will look to move into central areas of the pitch to support central passing networks, as well as providing vital protection against central counter-attacks. However, the Playmaking Wing-Back is expected to act as a central hub of the team's passing play, playing progressive passes, through balls and dangerous crosses into the box. The Playmaking Wing-Back has much more empthasis to get on the ball and create chances, which means they require a very high level of technical ability in order to be effective in this role.

Advanced Wing-Back (NEW)

The Advanced Wing-Back positions more aggressively than a traditional Wing-Back, looking to play high and wide as much as possible. As their team are building play from deep, the Advanced Wing-Back doesn't drop back alongside their defenders, instead positioning higher up the pitch more like a wide midfielder. As play progresses up the pitch they are expected to get forward to join the attack, often making supporting runs in the final third.

Defensive Midfield Roles in Football Manager 2026


Defensive Midfielder

The Defensive Midfielder's main responsibility out of possession is position themselves in front of the team's defence and help protect them from attacking threats. In possession, the Defensive Midfielder aims to be the team's link between defence and attack, playing simple passes to help retain possession and to progress the play.

Dropping Defensive Midfielder (NEW)

As a Dropper, the Defensive Midfielder will look to move back into the defensive line as their team are pinned back into their own defensive third, acting as an additional Centre-Back. During the earlier phases of the opposition attack, the player will act as a more traditional Defensive Midfielder.

Screening Defensive Midfielder (NEW)

As a Screener, the Defensive Midfielder's main responsibility is to defend the space in front of their central defenders. They are less likely to leave their position to press the opposition, instead looking to protect their zone and block passing lanes.

Wide Covering Defensive Midfielder (NEW)

As a Wide Cover, the Defensive Midfielder is asked to provide defensive support in wide areas, moving across from their typical position to help their team defend against wide threats. This means that when the opposition attack the flanks on their side, instead of protecting central areas more like a traditional Defensive Midfielder, the player will look to shift across and support their Full-Back, often doubling up on the opposition's wide attacking threats.

Half-Back

The Half Back is a defensive midfielder who looks to drop into their team's defensive line during build-up play to help progress the ball forward and provide defensive stability. A Half Back is typically used by teams with two central defenders, in order to ensure that they have three players in front of the opposition press when playing out of defence. The idea being that this makes the team more press-resistant, particularly against teams that press with a front 2. When used centrally, the Half Back will drop between their central defenders. However when used in side defensive midfield positions, the Half Back will drop to the side of their central defenders as either a RCB or LCB.

Pressing Defensive Midfielder (NEW)

As a Presser, the Defensive Midfielder is tasked with stepping forward from their position to support the team's press high up the pitch. The player will often take up a higher starting position during early phases of the opposition attack in order to be in a better position to engage players ahead of them. Because of this higher positioning, it's important to ensure that there's enough defensive cover behind them from their teammates.

Deep-Lying Playmaker

The Deep-Lying Playmaker operates in the space between the defence and the midfield and aims to initiate attacking moves via pinpoint passes to players positioned higher up the pitch. Although primarily a creative player, the Deep-Lying Playmaker also has to be competent in the art of defence since they will often be one of the team's deepest midfield players when the ball is turned over in attack.

Central Midfield Roles in FM26


Central Midfielder

The Central Midfielder is responsible for providing an industrious and versatile link between the defence and the attack. Expected to perform a variety of tasks across the centre of the pitch, the Central Midfielder benefits from having the tactical awareness and technical ability to support both defensive and attacking play as needed.

Screening Central Midfielder (NEW)

The Screening Central Midfielder tries not to be drawn out from their position too much, instead focusing on blocking passing lanes through the middle of the pitch.

Wide Covering Central Midfielder (NEW)

As a Wide Cover, the Central Midfielder is asked to provide defensive support in wide areas, moving across from their typical position to help their team defend against wide threats. This means that when the opposition attack the flanks on their side, instead of protecting central areas more like a traditional Central Midfielder, the player will look to shift across and support their Full-Back, often doubling up on the opposition's wide attacking threats.

Box-to-Box Midfielder

The non-stop dynamism of the Box-to-Box Midfielder enables them to contribute greatly to both build-up and final-third attacking play. During build-up they position as a traditional defensive midfield player, offering passing options to help progress the play forwards. During latter phases of attack they surge forward to operate more like an attacking midfielder, arriving into the box to get on the end of crosses and pullbacks as well as providing a threat from the edge of the box. Because of the amount ground they are asked to cover in attack, the role requires exceptional work rate and energy levels.

Box-to-Box Playmaker (NEW)

The Roaming Playmaker is the heartbeat of their team, looking to be a creative outlet from both deep and advanced areas of the pitch. When their team are building from the back, the Roaming Playmaker will drop deep and look to be the creative link between defence and attack, much like a Deep-Lying Playmaker. However, as the play progresses, the Roaming Playmaker will move up the pitch and look to be the team's creative spark in the final third, similar to an Advanced Playmaker would. Because of this, the Roaming Playmaker requires higher stamina levels than other playmaker roles in order to be able to cover the full length of the pitch.

Channel Midfielder (NEW)

The Channel Midfielder looks to primarily make supporting runs into wide areas, often linking up with their team's wide attackers. The Channel Midfielder is encouraged to make attacking runs into the channels behind the opposition defence, looking to get into a dangerous crossing position and providing underlaps for their wide teammates.

Midfield Playmaker (NEW)

The Midfield Playmaker operates as a creative link between defence and attack, looking to play progressive passes and killer balls to attacking teammates to initiate attacks for their team. During earlier phases of attack the Midfield Playmaker positions in central midfield, looking to receive progressive passes from their defenders and defensive midfielders. They then later look to push up into an attacking midfield position as their team enters the final-third.

Pressing Central Midfielder (NEW)

As a Presser, the Central Midfielder is encouraged to step forward more often from their position to support the team's press higher up the pitch. The player will often take up a higher starting position during early phases of the opposition attack in order to be in a better position to engage players ahead of them. Because of this higher positioning, it's important to ensure that there's enough defensive cover behind them from their teammates.

Wide Midfielder Roles in FM26


Wide Midfielder

The Wide Midfielder is a wide player who tends to support the attack from deeper than a typical attacking wide player. Instead of looking to beat the opposition fullbacks to get the byline, the Wide Midfielder prefers to play dangerous passes and crosses from deep, trusting their technical ability more than their dribbling and pace.

Tracking Wide Midfielder (NEW)

As a Tracker, the Wide Midfielder is instructed to track back defensively as the opposition advance into their own defensive third in order to support the defenders behind them, at times even dropping into the backline as an additional defender. The player is expected to actively support the team defensively against wide attacking threats.

Wide Central Midfielder (NEW)

The Wide Central Midfielder is a supporting role typically utilised at the side of a midfield pairing or three, and is responsible for providing an industrious and versatile link between the defence and the attack. Wide Central Midfielders operate wider than traditional central midfield players, making themselves a better option for diagonal passes or switches in order to progress the play around the opposition press.

Wide Outlet Wide Midfielder (NEW)

As a Wide Outlet, the Wide Midfielder is asked to avoid tracking back to help out the Full-Back behind them as much, instead looking to hold their position more in order to be in a dangerous position for a counter-attack when the ball turns over. Because they don't do as much defensive work, it's often important to ensure that the team aren't exposed on their flank e.g. by asking nearby midfielders to play a wide covering role to cover for them.

Attacking Midfielder Roles in FM26


Attacking Midfielder

The Attacking Midfielder is an offensive role which looks to operate between the opposition defensive and midfield line, looking to receive passes in pockets of space as much as possible. Requiring excellent passing, dribbling and shooting abilities, their role is to constantly look to fashion chances for themselves and others in the final third.

Tracking Attacking Midfielder (NEW)

As a Tracker, the Attacking Midfielder is instructed to track back defensively as the opposition advance into their own defensive third in order to support the defenders behind them, dropping back into a deeper defensive position. The player is expected to actively support the team defensively against central attacking threats.

Advanced Playmaker

The Advanced Playmaker is a creative role which looks to operate high up the pitch between the opposition's midfield and defence, looking to receive passes in pockets of space as much as possible. The Advanced Playmaker's job is primarily to create opportunities for their teammates to score, playing killer passes in the final third as much as possible.

Central Outlet Attacking Midfielder (NEW)

As a Central Outlet, the Attacking Midfielder is asked to avoid tracking back to help out the defenders behind them as much, instead looking to hold their position more in order to be in a dangerous position for a counter-attack when the ball turns over. Because they don't do as much defensive work, it's often important to ensure that the team have enough defensive cover in central areas behind them to account for this.

Splitting Outlet Attacking Midfielder (NEW)

As a Splitting Outlet, the Attacking Midfielder is asked to avoid tracking back to help out the defenders behind them as much, instead looking to hold a higher position more in order to be in a dangerous position for a counter-attack when the ball turns over. As the opposition progresses play, the player also looks to drift out into the channels. This allows them to start counter-attacks from wide, usually with the aim to exploit the space often not found in more central areas of the pitch.

Free Role (NEW)

The player with a Free Role is given full creative license, allowing them to roam from their position to create attacking opportunities for their team, but also allowing them to take more risks with the ball in an attempt to create and score goals. Because of the freedom they're allowed, the Free Role is less likely to follow the team's explicit instructions and may break the team's structure at times. However their unpredictability and creativity can help to unlock defences for their team.

Winger Roles in FM26


Winger

The Winger is expected to provide width throughout the attack, looking to stretch the opposition defence and attack from near the sidelines. The Winger aims to provide support to their team's forwards, playing dangerous passes and crosses in the final third in an attempt to create chances for their teammates. Due to their wide positioning, the Winger is often found in one-on-one situations against the opposition full-back which allows them to make effective use of their dribbling skills."

Half-Space Winger (NEW)

The Half-Space Winger is a wide role that aims to frequently drift inside into the half-spaces as their team attacks to open up space for overlapping teammates and to receive the ball in more central areas of the pitch. The Half-Space Winger works best when combined with an attacking full-back or wing-back that looks to hug the sideline. Not only does the Half-Space Winger look to combine with an overlapping teammate, but they also look to provide dangerous passes and crosses themselves from closer to the box than a traditional winger.

Inside Winger (NEW)

The Inside Winger is a wide role that aims to frequently drift inside into the half-spaces as their team attacks to open up space for overlapping teammates and to receive the ball in more central areas of the pitch. The Inside Winger works best when combined with an attacking full-back or wing-back that looks to hug the sideline. Not only does the Inside Winger look to combine with an overlapping teammate, but they also look to provide dangerous passes and crosses themselves from closer to the box than a traditional winger.

Inverting Outlet Winger (NEW)

As an Inverting Outlet, the Winger is asked to avoid tracking back to help out the Full-Back behind them as much, instead looking to hold their position more in order to be in a dangerous position for a counter-attack when the ball turns over. As the opposition progresses play, the Inverting Outlet also looks to drift into central areas. This allows them to start counter-attacks from the half-spaces, usually with the aim to receive direct passes between the lines.

Tracking Winger (NEW)

As a Tracker, the Winger is instructed to track back defensively as the opposition advance into their own defensive third in order to support the defenders behind them, at times even dropping into the backline as an additional defender. The player is expected to actively support the team defensively against wide attacking threats.

Wide Outlet Winger (NEW)

As a Wide Outlet, the Winger is asked to avoid tracking back to help out the Full-Back behind them as much, instead looking to hold their position more in order to be in a dangerous position for a counter-attack when the ball turns over. Because they don't do as much defensive work, it's often important to ensure that the team aren't exposed on their flank e.g. by asking nearby midfielders to play a wide covering role to cover for them.

Wide Playmaker (NEW)

The Wide Playmaker will act as the team's primary source of creativity, starting from a wide position during their team's build-up phase before later drifting inside to find space from which to play killer balls and create chances. Coming in from the wing allows the Wide Playmaker to escape the hustle and bustle of central midfield and can result in them finding open pockets of space in the half-spaces as they move inside.

Wide Forward (NEW)

The Wide Forward is expected to provide width throughout the attack, looking to stretch the opposition defence and attack from near the sidelines. However the Wide Forward is also primarily an offensive role that looks to attack the box and make dangerous runs behind the opposition defence in the final third in order to get into a goalscoring position.

Inside Forward

The Inside Forward is a wide role that aims to frequently drift inside into the half-spaces as their team attacks to open up space for overlapping full-backs and to receive the ball in more central areas of the pitch. However the Inside Forward is also primarily an offensive role which looks to attack the spaces behind the opposition defence and get into goalscoring positions. The Inside Forward works best when combined with an attacking full-back or wing-back that looks to hug the sideline.

Forward Roles in FM26


False Nine

The False Nine is an unconventional centre-forward who regularly drops between the lines, looking to act similarly to an Advanced Playmaker for their team. The purpose of this is that it creates a problem for opposing central defenders who can either follow them - leaving space behind them for onrushing midfielders, forwards or wingers to exploit - or leave them to have time and space to dribble or pick out a pass. Because of these movements it's often important to pair a False Nine with teammates who regularly look to make runs into goalscoring positions, such as a Second Striker, Half-Space Forward or Wide Forward.

Deep-Lying Forward

The Deep-Lying Forward's main function is to link the attack to the midfield. They aim to drop between the lines to receive passes from deep before supplying linking passes to teammates, moving the ball back to midfield support, spreading it wide to the flanks or, if they have time to turn, playing in their strike partner.

Half-Space Forward (NEW)

The Half-Space Forward is a wide role that aims to frequently drift inside into the half-spaces as their team attacks to open up space for overlapping full-backs and to receive the ball in more central areas of the pitch. However the Half-Space Forward is also primarily an offensive role which looks to attack the spaces behind the opposition defence and get into goalscoring positions. The Half-Space Forward works best when combined with an attacking full-back or wing-back that looks to hug the sideline.

Second Striker (NEW)

The Second Striker operates as one of the team's main goalscoring threats. In early phases of attack, the Second Striker positions between the opposition midfield and defence in pockets of space. But as play progresses up the pitch, they aggressively push up into the forward line in order to get into goalscoring positions as the ball moves into the final third. As the name implies, the Second Striker is most commonly utilised in formations with a lone forward.

Channel Forward (NEW)

The Channel Forward is a high-energy role that looks to constantly be a thorn in defender's sides, regularly making supporting runs into the channels for their team. When their team are attacking, the Channel Forward looks to be a constant runner for their team, offering for direct balls down the channels or in behind, using their pace and tenacity to test the opposition defence.

Centre Forward

The Centre Forward, also typically known as the classic 'Number 9' is expected to lead the line and look to spearhead attacking moves. Their primary duty is to be the focal point of attacking moves and they are required to both score and create goals for their team.

Central Outlet Centre Forward (NEW)

As a Central Outlet, the Centre Forward is asked to avoid tracking back to help out the defenders behind them as much, instead looking to hold their position more in order to be in a dangerous position for a counter-attack when the ball turns over. Because they don't do as much defensive work, it's often important to ensure that the team have enough defensive cover in central areas behind them to account for this.

Splitting Outlet Centre Forward (NEW)

As a Splitting Outlet, the Centre Forward is asked to avoid tracking back to help out the defenders behind them as much, instead looking to hold a higher position more in order to be in a dangerous position for a counter-attack when the ball turns over. As the opposition progresses play, the player also looks to drift out into the channels. This allows them to start counter-attacks from wide, usually with the aim to exploit the space often not found in more central areas of the pitch.

Tracking Centre Forward (NEW)

As a Tracker, the Centre Forward is instructed to track back defensively as the opposition advance into their own defensive third in order to support the midfielders behind them, dropping back into a deeper defensive position. The player is expected to actively support the team defensively against central attacking threats.

Target Forward

A Target Forward looks to use their physicality and height to disrupt the opposition's defence and create goalscoring opportunities for their team. During their team's build-up phase they look to be an outlet, often the target of longer passes and clearances that they can knock down, flick on or lay off to their surrounding teammates. In the final third they look to get on the end of crosses into the box, using their aerial prowess to be a goalscoring threat.

Poacher

The Poacher sits on the shoulder of the last defender looking to break the defensive line and run onto through balls from midfield. Requiring excellent off the ball movement, the Poacher is expected to be the team's main source of goals. Their focus on scoring goals is so extreme that they rarely offer much help in constructing moves or linking play, preferring instead to remain central and sniff out opportunities in and around the box.

Final Thoughts


Football Manager 2026 is shaping up to be an absolute tactical playground. With over 25 new roles, this isn’t just a small tweak to the role system – it’s a complete expansion of tactical depth.

If you’re a tactics nerd like me, you’re probably already thinking about your 3-4-3 with Advanced Wing-Backs and a Playmaking CB trio. Or maybe a classic 4-2-3-1 with Pressing Wingers and a Half-Back anchoring the midfield.

These new roles bring nuance, flexibility, and storytelling potential to your saves. So – what roles are you most excited to test out?

Drop a comment below and let me know. I’ll be testing out the Channel Forward and Free Role AM combo as soon as I get my hands on the beta.

Game on, gaffers.

READ NEXT: FM26 Release Window Confirmed by SEGA

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23,909,24,280,AMAZON PRIME,2,BACKROOM STAFF,60,BARGAINS,36,BEST PLAYERS,89,CAREER STORY,56,CHALLENGES,126,CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER,1,CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER 2001/2002,1,CUSTOM DATABASE,23,E,8,EDIT,7,ESSENTIALS,3,EXPERIMENTS,1,FACEPACK,1,FM 24 FACEPACK,1,FM BLOG,2119,FM BOOKS,4,FM COMMUNITY,1,FM EXPERIMENT,12,FM MEMES,1,FM MOBILE,1,FM NEWS,90,FM VIDEOS,23,FM WONDERKIDS,108,FM14,100,FM15,64,FM16,108,FM17,78,FM18,60,FM18 INFO,7,FM18 NEW FEATURES,7,FM18 PLAYERS,4,FM18 STAFF,4,FM19,65,FM19 NEW FEATURES,6,FM20,260,FM20 BARGAINS,7,FM20 CHALLENGES,37,FM20 DATABASE,4,FM20 LIST,47,FM20 NEW FEATURES,9,FM20 PLAYER SHORTLIST,9,FM20 SKINS,10,FM20 STAFF,10,FM20 TACTICS,40,FM20 TEAM GUIDES,34,FM20 TOP WONDERKIDS,18,FM20 VIDEOS,1,FM20 WONDERKID REVIEW,79,FM20 WONDERKIDS,96,FM21,353,FM21 ASSISTANT MANAGER,2,FM21 BARGAINS,8,FM21 CHALLENGES,35,FM21 COACHES,3,FM21 FREE AGENTS,7,FM21 HIDDEN GEMS,1,FM21 NEW FEATURES,11,FM21 SCOUTING,196,FM21 SHORTLIST,4,FM21 SKINS,4,FM21 STAFF,6,FM21 TACTICS,59,FM21 TEAM GUIDES,57,FM21 TRANSFER BUDGETS,3,FM21 VIDEOS,50,FM21 WONDERKIDS,108,FM21 WONDERKIDS SHORTLIST,1,FM22,278,FM22 ASSISTANT MANAGERS,1,FM22 BARGAINS,8,FM22 BEST PLAYERS,21,FM22 BEST PLAYERS SHORTLIST,1,FM22 CHALLENGE,16,FM22 CHALLENGES,3,FM22 COACHES,1,FM22 DATABASE,3,FM22 FREE AGENTS,7,FM22 FREE AGENTS SHORTLIST,1,FM22 HIDDEN GEMS,1,FM22 MOBILE,1,FM22 NEW FEAURES,2,FM22 SCOUTING,134,FM22 SKINS,9,FM22 TACTICS,50,FM22 TEAM GUIDES,33,FM22 TOP 100 WONDERKIDS,10,FM22 TRANSFER BUDGETS,2,FM22 WONDERKIDS,106,FM22 WONDERKIDS SHORTLIST,1,FM23,184,FM23 ASSISTANT MANAGERS,1,FM23 BARGAINS,3,FM23 BEST PLAYERS,2,FM23 CHALLENGE,5,FM23 CHALLENGES,7,FM23 COACHES,1,FM23 DATABASE,1,FM23 FREE AGENTS,3,FM23 FREE AGENTS SHORTLIST,1,FM23 HIDDEN GEMS,1,FM23 NEW FEATURES,5,FM23 SCOUTING,66,FM23 SHORTLIST,3,FM23 SKINS,10,FM23 TACTICS,21,FM23 TEAM GUIDES,6,FM23 TRANSFER BUDGETS,4,FM23 WONDERKIDS,51,FM23 WONDERKIDS SHORTLIST,1,FM24,265,FM24 BACKROOM STAFF,8,FM24 BARGAINS,10,FM24 BEST PLAYERS,6,FM24 CHALLENGES,3,FM24 DATABASE,1,FM24 EXPERIMENTS,1,FM24 FREE AGENTS,3,FM24 GRAPHICS,2,FM24 HIDDEN GEMS,2,FM24 NEW FEATURES,12,FM24 PLAYER SHORTLISTS,4,FM24 SAVE IDEA,59,FM24 SCOUTING,66,FM24 SHORTLIST,8,FM24 SKINS,19,FM24 STAFF SHORTLIST,4,FM24 SUGAR DADDY,1,FM24 TACTICS,39,FM24 TEAM GUIDES,3,FM24 TRANSFER BUDGETS,3,FM24 WONDERKIDS,41,FM24 WONDERKIDS SHORTLIST,1,FM25,23,FM25 SAVE IDEA,2,FM25 SCOUTING,1,FM25 WONDERKIDS,1,FM26,5,FOOTBALL MANAGER,71,FOOTBALL TALK,99,FREE AGENTS,45,GAME GUIDES,175,GAMING EQUIPMENT,7,GIVEAWAY,2,GRAPHICS,21,GUIDES,2,LIST ARTICLES,102,LOGOPACK,1,OFFICIAL FM HINTS & TIPS,7,OMEGA LUKE,6,PLAYER ATTRIBUTES,9,PLAYER GUIDE,108,PREMIER LEAGUE,2,RHYS,2,SAVE IDEAS,266,SCOUTING,449,SKINS,66,SUGAR DADDY,4,SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS,13,TACTICAL ANALYSIS,29,TACTICS,232,TEAM GUIDES,149,TEAMS TO MANAGE,195,TECHNICAL DIRECTOR,1,THE MAD SCIENTIST,3,TRANSFER BUDGETS,35,UPDATES,16,WONDERKIDS,663,
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FM Blog – Best FM24 Wonderkids, Tactics & Guides: FM26 Roles Leak – New Player Roles That Could Transform Your Tactics
FM26 Roles Leak – New Player Roles That Could Transform Your Tactics
Explore all player roles in FM26, including new ones like Playmaking Wing-Backs and Line-Holding Keepers. Full breakdown inside!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahWUyyphdnl-ihTjGAALJq0SD3KbL105J230dWLr3zQ2YghoQckv5WOkzzVBuB8dl3Dh7EVnLQ8RI-ZVfk0v2Z5PZPK0O4cxh1zIhUA7aEISTSnk1CmtLX-qpE2_S3iCP6nKW99Kq-dK_Kyeoz9zccKfFVbrtsL3ndGfVl-BfcVK6elgq_HDw5EeKVr8/s16000/20250804_1203_FM26%20New%20Roles%20Reveal_simple_compose_01k1t8e48hec6rvp9bxpbwg32j.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahWUyyphdnl-ihTjGAALJq0SD3KbL105J230dWLr3zQ2YghoQckv5WOkzzVBuB8dl3Dh7EVnLQ8RI-ZVfk0v2Z5PZPK0O4cxh1zIhUA7aEISTSnk1CmtLX-qpE2_S3iCP6nKW99Kq-dK_Kyeoz9zccKfFVbrtsL3ndGfVl-BfcVK6elgq_HDw5EeKVr8/s72-c/20250804_1203_FM26%20New%20Roles%20Reveal_simple_compose_01k1t8e48hec6rvp9bxpbwg32j.png
FM Blog – Best FM24 Wonderkids, Tactics & Guides
https://www.footballmanagerblog.org/2025/08/fm26-new-player-roles.html
https://www.footballmanagerblog.org/
https://www.footballmanagerblog.org/
https://www.footballmanagerblog.org/2025/08/fm26-new-player-roles.html
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