This guide covers every formation currently available in GOALS, including each formation's exact positional structure and its practical strengths and weaknesses. Formations can be changed from Edit Team > Squad Actions > Formation.
GOALS includes 15 formations built around back threes, back fours, and back fives. The formation defines the team's starting shape, while player roles, mentalities, defensive depth, and attacking build-up settings influence how players behave during a match.
Formations List
POSITION ABBREVIATIONS
| GK | Goalkeeper | CB | Centre-back |
| FB | Full-back | WB | Wing-back |
| DM | Defensive midfielder | CM | Central midfielder |
| WM | Wide midfielder | AM | Attacking midfielder |
| WF | Wide forward | ST | Striker |
4-4-2
Positions
2 ST, 2 WM, 2 CM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A balanced two-striker formation with natural width from the wide midfielders and a conventional back four.
Strengths
Simple passing options, two targets in attack, and clear defensive banks of four.
Considerations
The two central midfielders can be outnumbered against formations using three or more central players.
Guide
4-3-3
Positions
1 ST, 2 WF, 2 CM, 1 DM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A wide front three supported by two central midfielders and a dedicated defensive midfielder.
Strengths
Strong attacking width, useful passing triangles, and protection in front of the centre-backs.
Considerations
The striker can become isolated if the wide forwards and central midfielders do not provide close support.
Guide
3-5-2
Positions
2 ST, 2 WM, 3 CM, 3 CB, 1 GK
Shape
Three centre-backs behind a five-player midfield, with two strikers occupying the central attacking lanes.
Strengths
Central midfield numbers, two-striker combinations, and wide outlets on both sides.
Considerations
The wide midfielders must cover substantial space because there are no full-backs or wing-backs in the listed shape.
Guide
3-4-1-2
Positions
2 ST, 1 AM, 2 WM, 2 CM, 3 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A narrow attacking triangle of two strikers and an attacking midfielder, supported by a four-player midfield line.
Strengths
Multiple central combination options and direct support behind both strikers.
Considerations
Defensive width depends heavily on the wide midfielders recovering alongside the back three.
Guide
3-4-3
Positions
1 ST, 2 WF, 2 WM, 2 CM, 3 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A wide front three ahead of two central and two wide midfielders, protected by three centre-backs.
Strengths
High attacking width, multiple wide overloads, and five players positioned across midfield.
Considerations
Space can open outside the three centre-backs when the wide midfielders advance.
Guide
4-2-3-1
Positions
1 ST, 3 AM, 2 DM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
One striker ahead of three attacking midfielders, with two defensive midfielders screening a back four.
Strengths
Strong central protection, three close creators behind the striker, and flexible attacking support.
Considerations
Width comes from the outside attacking midfielders and full-backs rather than dedicated wide forwards.
Guide
4-3-1-2
Positions
2 ST, 1 AM, 3 CM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A narrow midfield diamond-like structure with three central midfielders and an attacking midfielder behind two strikers.
Strengths
Central overloads, short passing combinations, and consistent support for both forwards.
Considerations
The full-backs are the only natural wide players in the formation.
Guide
4-5-1
Positions
1 ST, 2 WM, 3 CM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A five-player midfield sits behind a lone striker, with wide midfielders protecting both sides.
Strengths
Midfield coverage, defensive compactness, and several options for retaining possession.
Considerations
The lone striker needs midfield runners to avoid becoming isolated.
Guide
5-2-1-2
Positions
2 ST, 1 AM, 2 CM, 2 WB, 3 CB, 1 GK
Shape
Three centre-backs and two wing-backs support a narrow attacking unit of two strikers and an attacking midfielder.
Strengths
Central defensive security, direct combinations between the front three, and wing-back width.
Considerations
Wing-back stamina and recovery are important because those players provide most of the width.
Guide
5-2-3
Positions
1 ST, 2 WF, 2 CM, 2 WB, 3 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A back five and two central midfielders sit behind a wide front three.
Strengths
Defensive numbers, counterattacking width, and immediate outlets through both wide forwards.
Considerations
Only two central midfielders connect the defensive and attacking units.
Guide
4-4-1-1
Positions
1 ST, 1 AM, 2 WM, 2 CM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A conventional midfield four with an attacking midfielder connecting the midfield to a lone striker.
Strengths
Balanced width, a defined link player, and a compact defensive structure.
Considerations
Attacks can depend heavily on the attacking midfielder finding space behind the striker.
Guide
4-1-2-1-2
Positions
2 ST, 1 AM, 2 CM, 1 DM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A narrow diamond midfield places one defensive midfielder behind two central midfielders and one attacking midfielder.
Strengths
Strong central progression, two strikers, and a dedicated screen in front of the defence.
Considerations
The shape has no dedicated wide midfielders or wide forwards, making full-back support important.
Guide
4-2-2-2
Positions
2 ST, 2 AM, 2 DM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
Two defensive midfielders and two attacking midfielders form a compact central box behind two strikers.
Strengths
Central passing lanes, protection behind the attack, and four players positioned between midfield and the forward line.
Considerations
The formation has no dedicated wide midfielders, so outside width generally comes from the full-backs or drifting attacking midfielders.
Guide
4-3-3 ATK
Positions
1 ST, 2 WF, 1 AM, 2 CM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
An attacking variation of 4-3-3 that places an attacking midfielder between two central midfielders and the front three.
Strengths
Four advanced attackers, wide threats, and a central creator close to the striker.
Considerations
There is no dedicated defensive midfielder, leaving more space in front of the centre-backs when possession is lost.
Guide
4-3-3 DEF
Positions
1 ST, 2 WF, 1 AM, 2 DM, 2 FB, 2 CB, 1 GK
Shape
A defensive 4-3-3 variation with two defensive midfielders behind one attacking midfielder and a wide front three.
Strengths
Strong protection through the middle, wide counterattacking outlets, and an attacking midfielder linking the two units.
Considerations
With no conventional central midfielders, progression relies on the defensive midfielders, attacking midfielder, or wide channels.
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