The Best FM26 Corner Tactic – The Complete Guides

Best-performing FM26 Corner Tactic

Here are the top three options for the best fm26 corner tactic.

1. Short corner overload to edge-of-box cut-back – Strikerless.com

 

Rather than firing the ball straight into a crowded box, this routine uses a short pass (5-8 yards) to draw the defence out of shape, and then targets a late arrival or cut-back from the edge of the box. This mirrors the breakdown in the “Short Corners” article above.

How to set it up:

• Taker: someone with good technique and composure.

• Option: Set “Short corner” and assign the nearest winger or full-back to receive.

• Crash box: 3-4 players go into the near and far post zones.

• Edge support: 1-2 players hang just outside the area, ready for a cut-back.

• Priorities: creative players high priority for the short option; tall/strong players priority for box attack.
  Why it works: it forces defenders to commit, creates space for a smarter finish, and plays to the improved off-ball intelligence in FM26.

2. Far-post overload + late arriving centre-mid – Sports Interactive Community

This routine focuses on overloading the far post rather than the near post, often using a high arc or in-swinging delivery. The community thread indicates that when near-post fails, switching to far-post improves results. 
Setup:

• Taker: good crossing + set-piece skill.

• Attack far post: 2-3 players (including one tall target).

• Box crash: 2 players near post for distraction.

• Late run: a centre-mid or mezzala arrives just as ball lands.
  Key tip: focus on “Attack Far Post” priority, ensure jump and heading ratings are strong among far-post targets.
  Why it works: far post tends to draw defenders sideways and opens up space in the near half-space for runners arriving late. The FM Scout article emphasises the importance of hitting the “sweet spot” (the little grey square) when delivering.

3. Mixed direct cross + dummy runner – The Hare

 

A more nuanced routine but still effective: combine a wind-up long cross into the box with a dummy run (or decoy move) and a secondary runner arriving at the near post or edge. According to FM Scout’s key notes you should “take full responsibility off set-peace” (i.e., tailor your taker, runners and priorities).

Setup:

• Taker: primary crosser with high technique + set piece.

• Primary target: tall, strong forward attacking near post.

• Secondary mover: a runner drifting from the edge or back-post.

• Priority mix: designate “Attack Near Post” for target, “Go Forward” for secondary runner.
  Why it works: the decoy draws markers, the cross has space to land, and the second runner arrives unmarked.

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How to get the best from your corner tactic

• Assign your takers and runners carefully: Make sure the designated taker has high set-piece skill and composure, and your runners fit their roles (jumping, heading, strength for box attackers; off-ball movement and decisions for edge-support). The Hare’s guide on FM Scout stresses the importance of “the right players in the right positions”.

• Adjust priorities: In FM26 you can fine-tune target zones and priorities (attack near post, far post, stay back, etc). Play around depending on your opposition.

• Train set pieces: Even the best routine will flounder without practice. According to Reddit, users who ignore training struggle to score via corners.

• Analyse results and tweak: If you’re still getting no returns, review your match stats (deliveries, headed chances from corners) and switch your routine (for example, from near post to far post) or try short corners instead of long.

• Be realistic with traits and team type: If you lack aerial threat, don’t overload the box but instead favour cut-backs or edge support. The short corner routine is especially effective for teams without monstrous heading ability.

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Final word

When well-executed, an FM26 corner tactic isn’t just routine—it’s a genuine game-changer. The trends right now point clearly to routines that prioritise intelligence over brute force: short corners to manipulate shape, far-post overloads to exploit space, and smart decoy-driven long cross options. Combine those with the right players, training, and priority settings, and you’ll start turning corners into goals. For more on how set pieces integrate with your full tactical setup, check out some of our other tactical tips in our Feature Articles Section. Also if you want a full downloadable set piece routine, the FM Scout “The Hare FM26 Set Piece Masterclass” is a strong starting point for the best fm corner tactic.

Get your players into the box, keep the opposition guessing—and make those corners count.