The best formations, how to defend, and what are Boosters and Link-Up? We unravel the most searched questions from the community.
What is the best formation and playstyle?
Although it depends on your style, the current meta revolves around Quick Counter and Possession Game, with a strong trend towards Quick Counter. Formations with two center-forwards (2 CF), such as 4-3-1-2, 4-2-2-2, or 3-2-3-2, create numerical superiority in the center and facilitate quick one-twos.
How to defend effectively?
The key to defending in eFootball is not aggression, but patience.
- Stop Pressing All the Time: Using the pressure button (X/A) sparingly prevents opening up fatal gaps.
- Abuse "Match Up" (L2/LT): This command is your primary tool for containing the attacker and closing passing lanes.
- Use the Right Stick: Manually select the best-positioned defender to anticipate plays.
What are Boosters?
First implemented in eFootball 2024 and re-implemented in 2025 with a second booster.
Boosters are special traits linked to certain player versions—usually Epic, Show Time, or Big Time—that permanently increase the athlete's attributes, surpassing the traditional limit of 99 points. For example, an 'Agility' booster might add +2 to Dribbling, Balance, and Acceleration, allowing these attributes to reach 102, 103, or more, even if they were already at the maximum of 99.
What is Link-Up?
This is a new feature in eFootball 2026.
Link-Up is a strategic mechanic that allows two specific players, under a compatible manager, to perform exclusive combination plays on the field, increasing the accuracy and effectiveness of offensive actions.
Each manager has different requirements to complete the Link-Up between players. For example, an Orchestrator DMF can connect with a Goal Poacher CF, or a cross-specialist winger (left or right) can link up with a Fox in the Box CF. If you change their field positions, the link between them is lost. Each manager has unique requirements and specifications to activate these combination plays.
These combination plays have flashy names, but their in-game effectiveness doesn't always match the grand title. This is a clear attempt by Konami to disrupt 'meta' players, like Ruud Gullit playing as a center-forward, while also encouraging the sale of cards that would normally have little demand, giving them a little push through the Link-Up.