Goals may win you glory, but a rock-solid defence wins you championships. In EA FC 26, the very best defenders stand tall as the backbone of any squad.
Whether you’re grinding through Career Mode or battling it out in Football Ultimate Team, these elite players bring unmatched strength, awareness, and precision to your back line.
The top defensive players in EA FC 26 include Virgil van Dijk, Marquinhos, and Alessandro Bastoni—but the list goes much deeper. Here are the top 12 defenders in terms of defending ratings.
Best 12 Defenders in EA FC 26
12. Antonio Rüdiger
Kicking off our list is Real Madrid’s enforcer, with an Overall Rating of 86 and a Defending Rating of 84, Antonio Rüdiger is a rock at the back for your Career Mode.
His 83 Interceptions, 84 Defensive Awareness, 85 Standing Tackle, and 84 Sliding Tackle make him reliable in one-on-one duels. Rüdiger’s physical presence and aggression help him shut down attackers across all game modes.
11. Moisés Caicedo
Chelsea’s midfield enforcer, Moisés Caicedo, earns an Overall Rating of 87 and a Defending Rating of 84. Caicedo is a master of breaking up play.
With 87 Interceptions, 83 Defensive Awareness, 86 Standing Tackle, and 87 Sliding Tackle, he thrives as a shield in front of the defense. His mobility and tackling make him invaluable in Career Mode setups.
10. Willian Pacho
Paris SG’s Ecuadorian center back Willian Pacho boasts an Overall Rating of 86 and a Defending Rating of 86.
His 83 Interceptions, 88 Defensive Awareness, 88 Standing Tackle, and 81 Sliding Tackle highlight his balanced style. Pacho is the kind of defender who reads the game well and consistently breaks up attacks.
9. Ibrahima Konaté
Ibrahima Konaté has grown into a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defense. With an Overall Rating of 86 and a Defending Rating of 86, he pairs strength with composure.
His 83 Interceptions, 87 Defensive Awareness, 87 Standing Tackle, and 86 Sliding Tackle ensure he is dependable in high-pressure moments. Is it suitable for your team in Career Mode?
8. Rodri
The anchor of Manchester City’s midfield, Rodri commands respect with his Overall Rating of 90 and Defending Rating of 86. He is one of the best players in the game.
His stats include 84 Interceptions, 88 Defensive Awareness, 87 Standing Tackle, and 82 Sliding Tackle. Rodri’s intelligence and calmness under pressure make him essential in both defensive and transitional play.
7. Rúben Dias
Another defensive pillar at City, Rúben Dias, stands tall with an Overall Rating of 86 and Defending Rating of 86. This player deserves to be on your team in your FUT squad.
With 86 Interceptions, 87 Defensive Awareness, 87 Standing Tackle, and 85 Sliding Tackle, Dias brings consistency and leadership at the back.
6. Jonathan Tah
Jonathan Tah is rated 87 Overall with a Defending Rating of 87. Tah is a classic, powerful Bundesliga defender.
His defending key stats include 84 Interceptions, 88 Defensive Awareness, 89 Standing Tackle, and 84 Sliding Tackle. Tah’s strength and discipline make him one of the toughest defenders to get past.
5. William Saliba
Arsenal’s rising star William Saliba continues to impress, earning an Overall Rating of 87 and Defending Rating of 87.
With 86 Interceptions, 88 Defensive Awareness, 90 Standing Tackle, and 86 Sliding Tackle, Saliba is dominant in duels and reliable in building out from the back.
4. Gabriel
Partnering Saliba, Gabriel provides equal solidity with an Overall Rating of 88 and Defending Rating of 88.
His stats (87 Interceptions, 89 Defensive Awareness, 88 Standing Tackle, 87 Sliding Tackle) make him one of the most balanced and dependable defenders in the game.
3. Alessandro Bastoni
Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni shines with an Overall Rating of 87 and Defending Rating of 88. He is a modern ball-playing defender.
With 88 Interceptions, 87 Defensive Awareness, 90 Standing Tackle, and 84 Sliding Tackle, Bastoni combines elegance and grit. He’s perfect for players who like defenders with both tactical awareness and technical ability.
2. Marquinhos
Paris SG’s captain, Marquinhos, is a defensive master with an Overall Rating of 87 and Defending Rating of 89. He is one of the smartest defenders in world football.
His 89 Interceptions, 90 Defensive Awareness, 89 Standing Tackle, and 88 Sliding Tackle put him among the best. His leadership and consistency shine across Career Mode and Ultimate Team.
1. Virgil van Dijk
At the top stands Virgil van Dijk with an Overall Rating of 90 and Defending Rating of 90. The king isn’t dead, is he?
His stats—91 Interceptions, 91 Defensive Awareness, 91 Standing Tackle, and 87 Sliding Tackle—cement him as the ultimate defensive wall. Van Dijk’s presence changes matches, making him the go-to choice for anyone building a strong defense.
Final Whistle
Defenders might not always grab the headlines, but in EA FC 26, they make the difference between winning and losing.
Whether you’re stopping counterattacks in FUT or building a dynasty in Career Mode, these players ensure your back line stays rock solid.
Note: This list is based on the official player ratings announced at the release of EA SPORTS FC 26. It’s important to remember that in-game ratings and performance may change with upcoming Squad Updates to reflect real-world performance.
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