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FC 26 defenders: Best CB, RB and LB in Career Mode

From centre-backs to full-backs, these are FC 26’s best defenders.

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates with the Carabao Cup trophy and his Player Of The Match award after the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2024 in London, England

Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images

Published: Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 5:00 pm

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Fergie once said that attack wins you games, but defence wins you titles, and since he knows a thing or two about football, we reckon you should start loading up your squad with the best defenders in FC 26.

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Whether you're after a towering centre-back or a tricky full-pack to terrorise your opponents, these players are the best of the best in the back line – just make sure you're using one of the best formations to get the most out of them.

If you need a bit of youth in your team, then you're probably better off with some of the best FC 26 wonderkids. Alternatively, our cheapest high-rated players will get you a bargain or two in Ultimate Team.

For stopping the goals, however, you can't say much better than this full list of the very best FC 26 defenders in each position.

Best defenders in FC 26 (Men)

A screenshot of Van Dijk's stats in FC 26.

At 91-rated, you can't beat Van Dijk in FC 26. EA

Looking for a ball-playing CB or a brick wall? You’ll find them in this list, along with flying full-backs capable of overlapping with the game’s best wingers.

Despite Liverpool's Van Dijk being the top-rated defender and the best male CB in FC 26, it’s PSG that has three players in the top 10.

These are the overall top 10, but if you're looking for a more specific breakdown, here are the best defenders in each position.

Best centre-backs in FC 26

Here are the top 10 best CBs in FC 26:

Best left-backs in FC 26

Here are the top 10 best LBs in FC 26:

Best right-backs in FC 26

Here are the top 10 best RBs in FC 26:

Best defenders in FC 26 (Women)

Screenshot of León's stats page in FC 26.

Looking for an 89-rated CB? Look no further! EA

Barcelona’s CB pairing of Mapi Leon and Irene Paredes sits atop the women’s defence rankings (and joint top in terms of the best female CB rankings). Barca's RB, Batlle, isn’t far behind, either.

Chelsea has three players of their own in the top 10, too.

For more tips on building out your FC squad this year, check out more of our articles below.

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Authors

Lloyd Coombes.

Lloyd CoombesContributor

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