Choosing the right formation in FIFA 23 can make all the difference when playing online in modes like Ultimate Team, Division Rivals, or FUT Champions. Each formation has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to pick one that fits your playstyle. Here are the best formations to use online, along with some tips for each:

1. 4-2-3-1 (Narrow) – Balanced and Defensive Stability

The 4-2-3-1 (Narrow) is one of the most popular formations in FIFA 23 because of its balance between attack and defense. It provides solid defensive cover with two holding midfielders (CDMs), while the CAM and three forwards allow for creative and effective attacking play.

Strengths:

  • Defensive stability: The two CDMs provide extra defensive cover, especially against counter-attacks.
  • Flexible attack: The CAM works well as a playmaker behind the striker, while the wingers (LAM, RAM) stretch the field.
  • Possession play: Ideal for those who like to build up patiently.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced or Pressure on Heavy Touch.
  • Depth: 40-50 (lower depth if you prefer to play more defensively).
  • Offensive Style: Balanced or Fast Build-Up.
  • Instructions:
    • CDMs: Stay Back While Attacking, Cover Center.
    • Full-backs: Stay Back While Attacking or Balanced for more offensive support.
    • Striker: Stay Central, Get In Behind.

2. 4-4-2 (Flat) – Classic and Balanced

The 4-4-2 is a traditional formation that offers balance across the field. It works well for players who like to defend with two banks of four while keeping two strikers up front for counter-attacks and build-up play.

Strengths:

  • Balanced playstyle: Provides solid defense with four midfielders and allows for a direct attack with two strikers.
  • Wide play: The wingers can help stretch the opponent’s defense.
  • Counter-attacks: The two strikers make it easy to launch fast breaks.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced or Press After Possession Loss.
  • Width: 40-50 (narrow to keep your team compact).
  • Offensive Style: Direct Passing or Fast Build-Up.
  • Instructions:
    • CMs: One Stay Back While Attacking, the other Balanced.
    • Full-backs: Stay Back While Attacking.
    • Strikers: Stay Central, Get In Behind.

3. 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow) – Compact and Possession-Oriented

This formation is perfect for players who prefer a more compact style of play, focusing on central midfield dominance. The 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow) allows you to pass quickly and dominate possession in the center of the pitch.

Strengths:

  • Midfield dominance: Four central midfielders control the game, great for short passes and intricate build-up play.
  • Narrow attack: Overloads the middle of the field, allowing you to break down defenses with quick, one-touch passing.
  • Two strikers: Offers a constant threat up front with two forwards.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced or Pressure on Heavy Touch.
  • Width: 30-40 (narrow to compress the midfield).
  • Offensive Style: Fast Build-Up or Possession.
  • Instructions:
    • CDM: Stay Back While Attacking, Cover Center.
    • Full-backs: Stay Back While Attacking or Balanced if you want more width.
    • CAM: Get Forward, Free Roam.
    • Strikers: Stay Central, Get In Behind.

4. 4-3-2-1 – Narrow Attacking Formation

The 4-3-2-1 is a narrow, attack-minded formation that can overwhelm opponents with its three forwards (LF, ST, RF). This setup is perfect for players who like to play fast, aggressive football with quick transitions.

Strengths:

  • Strong attacking options: The three forwards make this formation deadly in the final third.
  • Quick transitions: You can easily break with pace using the LF, ST, and RF.
  • High pressing: The midfield trio is well-suited for applying pressure and winning the ball high up the pitch.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Press After Possession Loss or Balanced.
  • Width: 40-50.
  • Offensive Style: Fast Build-Up or Direct Passing.
  • Instructions:
    • CMs: Cover Center, one on Stay Back While Attacking, the other on Balanced.
    • Full-backs: Stay Back While Attacking or Balanced.
    • Striker: Stay Central, Get In Behind.
    • LF/RF: Cut Inside, Get In Behind.

5. 5-1-2-2 – Overpowered Wingbacks

The 5-1-2-2 formation gives you an incredibly solid defense with three center-backs, while still allowing you to attack with wing-backs and a narrow midfield. This formation works well against aggressive opponents who like to overload the attack.

Strengths:

  • Defensive solidity: Five defenders give you a lot of cover, especially against fast wingers and counter-attacks.
  • Wing-back threat: The wing-backs push forward and provide width, making them dangerous on the counter.
  • Central midfield control: The midfield trio keeps you in control of the ball in the middle of the pitch.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced or Pressure on Heavy Touch.
  • Width: 40-50 (narrow to keep the defense compact).
  • Offensive Style: Fast Build-Up or Balanced.
  • Instructions:
    • Wing-backs: Join the Attack.
    • CDM: Stay Back While Attacking, Cover Center.
    • Full-backs: Stay Back While Attacking.
    • Strikers: Stay Central, Get In Behind.

6. 3-5-2 – Attacking with Width and Control

The 3-5-2 formation provides width and plenty of attacking options, making it great for players who enjoy dominating possession while also being aggressive on the attack.

Strengths:

  • Attacking width: Two wide midfielders provide natural width, stretching the opponent’s defense.
  • Strong midfield: With three central midfielders, you can control the game and link up play between defense and attack.
  • Creative options: A CAM in this formation is key to linking up the midfield and forwards, offering creative passing options.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced or Pressure on Heavy Touch.
  • Width: 45-50.
  • Offensive Style: Fast Build-Up or Direct Passing.
  • Instructions:
    • Wide Midfielders: Stay Wide, Get In Behind.
    • CAM: Stay Forward, Free Roam.
    • CDMs: Cover Center, one Stay Back While Attacking.
    • Strikers: Stay Central, Get In Behind.

7. 4-3-3 (Attack) – Dominating with Wingers

The 4-3-3 (Attack) formation is perfect for players who like to play with width and have fast wingers to exploit the flanks. The central CAM helps connect the midfield with the attack.

Strengths:

  • Wide play: Excellent for stretching the opponent’s defense with pacey wingers.
  • Creative CAM: The CAM in this setup acts as the playmaker, feeding through balls to the wingers and striker.
  • Fluid attack: Allows for fluid movement and quick attacking transitions.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced or Press After Possession Loss.
  • Width: 60-70 (wider to stretch the opposition).
  • Offensive Style: Fast Build-Up or Forward Runs.
  • Instructions:
    • Wingers: Stay Wide, Get In Behind.
    • CAM: Stay Forward, Get Into the Box for Cross.
    • CMs: One Stay Back While Attacking, the other Balanced.
    • Striker: Stay Central, Get In Behind.

Conclusion:

Each formation suits different playstyles, so the best formation for you depends on how you like to play. If you prefer a more balanced and stable approach, the 4-2-3-1 (Narrow) or 4-4-2 (Flat) are great options. For attacking players, the 4-3-2-1 or 4-3-3 (Attack) will help you dominate your opponents. If you prefer a more compact midfield, the 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow) is ideal, and for defensive players who still want to attack with width, the 5-1-2-2 offers that extra solidity at the back.

Custom tactics and instructions are also crucial to making these formations work optimally in FIFA 23, so always tweak them based on your playstyle!