Free kicks are decisive set pieces in EA FC 26. A well-executed free kick can be the difference between winning and losing. This guide covers every free kick routine and the best tactics for each situation.
Free Kick Basics
To take a free kick:
- Press the free kick button
- Choose a routine
- Aim with the left stick
- Time the shot with the right trigger
The routine is selected using the right stick:
- Right stick up: high shot
- Right stick down: low shot
- Right stick left: curl left
- Right stick right: curl right
- L1/LB + button: pass to a player
The Best Free Kick Takers
The best free kick takers in EA FC 26 have:
- High Free Kick Accuracy (90+)
- High Shot Power (85+)
- The "Dead Ball" trait
Players with the "Dead Ball" trait have improved free kick accuracy.
The Best Routines
Knuckle Free Kick
A knuckle free kick is hard to predict and hard to save. To execute:
- Press the free kick button with low power
- Hold the right stick in the direction you want the ball to go
- Press the shoot button with the right trigger
- The ball has minimal spin and moves unpredictably
Best for: 20-30 yard free kicks. Best players: Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe.
Curled Free Kick
A curled free kick is the most common type. To execute:
- Press the free kick button with high power
- Hold the right stick in the direction you want the ball to curl
- Press the shoot button with the right trigger
- The ball curls into the goal
Best for: 25-35 yard free kicks. Best players: Ronaldo, Messi, David Beckham.
Driven Free Kick
A driven free kick is a low, hard shot. To execute:
- Press the free kick button with high power
- Hold the right stick down
- Press the shoot button with the right trigger
- The ball is low and hard
Best for: 20-30 yard free kicks with a wall in the way. Best players: Juninho, Messi.
Chip Free Kick
A chip free kick goes over the wall. To execute:
- Press the free kick button with high power
- Hold the right stick up
- Press the shoot button with the right trigger
- The ball goes over the wall
Best for: 20-25 yard free kicks with a tall wall. Best players: Messi, Ronaldo.
Lay-Off Free Kick
A lay-off free kick passes to a teammate. To execute:
- Press L1/LB + the pass button
- Aim at the teammate
- Press the pass button
- The teammate shoots
Best for: free kicks too far for a shot. Best players: any playmaker.
Tactical Considerations
Distance from Goal
The closer the free kick, the more accurate the shot. The best distance is 18-25 yards.
Wall Position
The wall blocks straight shots. Use a curled shot to go around the wall.
Goalkeeper Position
The goalkeeper's position matters. If the goalkeeper is off the line, use a high shot. If the goalkeeper is on the line, use a curled shot.
Number of Players in the Wall
The more players in the wall, the harder it is to shoot. Use a chip shot to go over a tall wall.
Common Mistakes
- Don't aim too high. The shot will go over the goal.
- Don't aim too low. The shot will be blocked by the wall.
- Don't use the same routine every time. The goalkeeper will learn.
- Don't forget to charge the shot. The shot will be weak.
Defending Free Kicks
To defend against free kicks:
Wall Positioning
The wall blocks straight shots. Position the wall to block the most likely shot direction.
Goalkeeper Positioning
Position the goalkeeper to cover the most likely shot direction.
Man Marking
Assign each attacker to a defender. The defenders follow the attackers.
Defending the Lay-Off
Defend the lay-off by pressing the player receiving the pass.
FAQ: Free Kicks
Q: What's the best free kick routine?
A: The curled free kick is the most effective.
Q: How do I score from a free kick?
A: Use a curled shot with the right timing and power.
Q: Can I take a free kick with a defender?
A: Yes, but playmakers usually have better free kick stats.
Q: Are there free kick specialists?
A: Yes. Some players have the "Dead Ball" trait.
Q: How do I defend against free kicks?
A: Position the wall and goalkeeper correctly. Use a tall wall.
With this guide, you will master free kicks in EA FC 26. Use the right routine, aim with the right stick, and score from every angle.