They say defense wins championships, and that's especially true in EA FC 26. Having elite centre backs can be the difference between dominating Weekend League and struggling to qualify. The right defenders will help you concede fewer goals and win more matches – crucial for both your enjoyment and betting success.
With solid defenders being so important this year, I've ranked the 15 best centre backs based on their official ratings. These are the wall-like defenders you'll want anchoring your backline.
Elite Centre Backs (87-90 Rated)
Virgil van Dijk stands alone at the top with a massive 90 rating. The Liverpool star combines unmatched defensive ability with physical dominance and surprisingly good pace. He's the most complete defender in the game – just like in real life.
Gabriel (88) from Arsenal is a defensive powerhouse with excellent stats, but his lack of pace might keep him out of many Ultimate Team squads. Still, for Career Mode or slower-paced gameplay, he's incredibly reliable.
Alessandro Bastoni (87) is your go-to if you build from the back. He's calm on the ball with excellent passing range, making him perfect for possession-based tactics. His defensive stats are still elite, giving you the best of both worlds.
Marquinhos (87) might not be the most physically imposing, but his elite interceptions and defensive awareness make the PSG captain a smart choice. He offers composure on the ball that few defenders can match.
William Saliba (87) has everything you want: pace, power, and tactical awareness. At his young age, he's already elite in Career Mode and can develop into something special. For betting on Career Mode tournaments, teams with Saliba have a defensive edge.
Jonathan Tah (87) from Bayern Munich is a physical monster at 6'5" with 91 strength. Few attackers can outmuscle him, making him particularly effective against cross-heavy teams.
Solid Defenders (84-86 Rated)
Antonio Rüdiger (86) brings something crucial – pace. Combined with his unmatched aggression, he's a defender everyone loves using and hates facing. Perfect for counter-attacking styles where recovery speed matters.
Rúben Dias (86) excels in awareness, reactions, and positioning. While slightly lacking physically compared to others, his technical defending is second to none. Manchester City's stalwart is particularly effective against technical attackers.
Willian Pacho (86) offers a combination of pace and power that makes him effective immediately. At just 23 in Career Mode, he has room to grow into one of the game's best defenders.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté (86) dominates in the air with his 6'4" frame, elite jumping, and the Aerial Fortress PlayStyle. If you face teams that spam crosses, Konaté is your solution.
Nico Schlotterbeck (85) is wonderfully well-rounded with no real weaknesses. He's not the best at any one thing, but he's good at everything – making him a reliable option for any defensive setup.
Iñigo Martínez (85) lacks pace at age 34, but makes up for it with elite tackling, heading, and reading of the game. He's a budget option who performs above his rating against slower attackers.
Dayot Upamecano (85) mirrors his real-life performance perfectly. He lacks agility for quick turns against nimble attackers, but few defenders match his raw power and aggression. He's particularly effective against physical forwards.
Gleison Bremer (85) might be the best value defender in the game. Despite his modest rating, he plays well above it thanks to excellent pace and elite defending. Many competitive players swear he performs like an 88 or 89 on the pitch.
Benjamin Pavard (84) rounds out our list. The former full back has transitioned to centre back nicely with good height and heading ability. He also brings surprisingly strong shooting for a defender – a nice bonus for set pieces.
Whether you're building your Ultimate Team, starting a Career Mode, or betting on competitive EA FC 26 matches, prioritizing these elite defenders will give you or your chosen team a much better chance at success.
