Best EA FC 26 Defenders - Our Top 10 Centre Back and Full Backs

• 10. Katie McCabe – Arsenal (LB, 87 OVR)
• 9. Jules Koundé – Barcelona (RB, 87 OVR)
• 8. Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan (CB, 87 OVR)
• 7. Marquinhos – PSG (CB, 87 OVR)
• 6. William Saliba – Arsenal (CB, 87 OVR)
• 5. Ona Batlle – Barcelona (RB, 86 OVR)
• 4. Jonathan Tah – Bayern Munich (CB, 87 OVR)
• 3. Achraf Hakimi – PSG (RB, 89 OVR)
• 2. Gabriel – Arsenal (CB, 88 OVR)
• 1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool (CB, 90 OVR)

Every successful Ultimate Team in EA SPORTS FC 26 needs a strong backline. With attackers getting faster and more clinical every year, defenders are more important than ever. Center-backs with strength and positioning, paired with fullbacks who can run the flanks, create the balance every player needs to stay competitive.

While EA has rated both male and female defenders highly this year, many Ultimate Team players avoid female center-backs due to their height disadvantage against tall strikers. However, female fullbacks are still top-tier choices, offering pace, agility, and link-up play. In this article, we rank the Top 10 Defenders in FC 26, starting at number 10 and working our way down to the undisputed number one.

10. Katie McCabe – Arsenal (LB, 87 OVR)

Katie McCabe is one of the most well-rounded left-backs in FC 26. With 80 pace, 81 passing, and 83 dribbling, she combines attacking flair with solid defensive numbers. Her 83 defending and 82 physical make her capable of dealing with wingers and strong attackers alike.

As an Arsenal player, McCabe also provides great chemistry links for hybrid squads. Her versatility means she can fit into both defensive-minded and attack-focused teams, making her one of the most underrated options at left-back this year.

Katie McCabe

9. Jules Koundé – Barcelona (RB, 87 OVR)

Jules Koundé offers excellent flexibility in defense. With 84 pace and 86 defending, he is strong enough to handle tricky attackers while still being fast enough to track runs. His 84 physical also ensures he doesn’t get bullied in duels.

What makes Koundé stand out is his ability to play multiple roles. Many FUT players drop him into a CB role in-game, where his speed and tackling make him incredibly effective. That versatility keeps him high on this list.

Jules Koundé

8. Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan (CB, 87 OVR)

Bastoni is one of the most reliable center-backs in Serie A. His 88 defending and 82 physical make him excellent in duels, while his 75 passing gives him the ability to play accurate long balls out from the back.

Although his 74 pace isn’t top-tier, Bastoni’s height, awareness, and composure make him a strong option for players who prefer structured defensive systems. He thrives in two-CB partnerships where the other defender brings more speed.

Bastoni 

7. Marquinhos – PSG (CB, 87 OVR)

Marquinhos has been a FUT favorite for years, and his FC 26 card continues that tradition. With 89 defending and 80 physical, he excels at interceptions and tactical positioning. His 78 pace keeps him competitive against quicker forwards.

His PSG and Brazil links also make him easy to fit into almost any squad, which is why he remains so popular in Ultimate Team. If you need a reliable and well-rounded CB, Marquinhos is always a safe choice.

Marquinhos

6. William Saliba – Arsenal (CB, 87 OVR)

Saliba is one of the fastest-rising stars in football, and his FC 26 stats reflect that. With 87 defending and 83 physical, he dominates duels, while his 77 pace makes him one of the quickest tall CBs available.

In-game, Saliba feels incredibly composed and dominant in the air. His ability to recover against pacey strikers makes him a must-have for Premier League squads. For many players, he’s the perfect meta defender.

Saliba

5. Ona Batlle – Barcelona (RB, 86 OVR)

Ona Batlle is one of the best female fullbacks in FC 26. Her 80 pace, 79 dribbling, and 81 defending make her strong in both attack and defense. While her 72 physical isn’t as high as some, her tackling and agility make up for it.

She is particularly useful for players who rely on overlapping fullbacks. Batlle can push forward to support attacks, then track back quickly with her speed. As far as right-backs go, she’s one of the smartest choices in La Liga squads.

Ona Batlle

4. Jonathan Tah – Bayern Munich (CB, 87 OVR)

Jonathan Tah is a physical powerhouse in FC 26. With 87 defending and 86 physical, he’s built to dominate strikers in duels. His 63 pace isn’t ideal, but his positioning ensures he doesn’t get caught out often.

His move to Bayern Munich also boosts his chemistry options, making him easy to slot into Bundesliga squads. If you want a defender who can body even the strongest forwards, Tah is an excellent choice.

Jonathan Tah

3. Achraf Hakimi – PSG (RB, 89 OVR)

Hakimi is arguably the most meta right-back in the game. His 92 pace is unmatched, making him a nightmare for any winger trying to break through. With 83 dribbling and 82 passing, he also adds attacking creativity.

Defensively, his 82 defending and incredible stamina allow him to play the full 90 minutes without losing effectiveness. Hakimi is the ultimate modern fullback—fast, dynamic, and reliable in both halves of the pitch.

Hakimi

2. Gabriel – Arsenal (CB, 88 OVR)

Gabriel ranks just behind Van Dijk as one of the most dominant defenders in FC 26. With 88 defending and 84 physical, he’s a true powerhouse who rarely loses a duel. His 64 pace may be on the slower side, but his strength and positioning more than make up for it.

In competitive play, Gabriel shines as the defensive anchor. Pair him with a quicker CB like Saliba or Hakimi’s pace on the wing, and you’ll have one of the toughest defenses in the game. His Arsenal links also make him very popular in Premier League squads.

Gabriel 

1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool (CB, 90 OVR)

At the top of the list is none other than Virgil van Dijk. His 90 defending and 87 physical make him the ultimate wall in FC 26. With 73 pace, he’s quick enough to keep up with fast strikers while completely dominating aerial duels.

Every year, Van Dijk feels unbeatable in-game, and this year is no different. His size, intelligence, and presence make him the defender everyone wants in their squad. If you want the best CB in FC 26, Van Dijk is still the king.

Van Dijk 

Conclusion

The Top 10 Defenders in FC 26 showcase the perfect balance between strength and speed. While female CBs are often skipped due to their height disadvantage, fullbacks like McCabe and Batlle remain excellent picks for pacey defensive options. Premier League powerhouses like Van Dijk, Gabriel, and Saliba, along with versatile stars like Hakimi and Koundé, dominate the Ultimate Team meta this year.

If you want a defender who changes games on his own, Van Dijk sits comfortably at number one, with Gabriel not far behind as a brick wall in the Arsenal backline.

We will share more updates on FC 26 in separate articles. If you found this information helpful or would like to learn more, please be sure to explore the other articles on our site.

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