Reigning World Champion Ichsan Rahmat Taufiq’s FM26 Tactic

We recently ranked every tactic available in Football Manager 26. But it’s safe to say, nothing will quite come close to this legend of the game’s.

When the inaugural FIFAe World Cup featuring Football Manager took place in earlier this year, Indonesia’s representative Ichsan Rahmat Taufiq – known as “Miracle” – wrote his name into the history books. He blew the competition away, beating Germany’s finalist 8–2 on aggregate in the final. He has now built a reputation for finding what works in Football Manager before anyone else. Now, as players switch their focus to FM26 which has vastly revamped tactic, he’s already settled on a shape he trusts.

 

The FM24 Approach

His World Cup-winning system last year was a 4-2-3-1 but tuned to an extent most players would never attempt. The idea was simple: total pressure, everywhere, all the time. Centre-backs were encouraged to carry the ball, full-backs pushed on relentlessly, wide players drifted inside to help compress the pitch in central areas, and the striker’s role shifted depending on game state. Supporters described it as a “mega-gegenpress” e.g. a tactic designed to overwhelm.

In offline tests it reportedly delivered a clean sweep of trophies in Portugal before being taken to the World Cup stage. That’s history now. FM26 is a different beast. But, obviously, he’s adapted.

The FM26 Answer: A Dependable 3-4-3

When asked what works best for him in the new game, Miracle didn’t hesitate. “For me, 343 is currently the most stable formation. It can perform direct attacks and fluid attacks. You just need to adapt to your philosophy and your players.” It’s still a pressing system. It still wants the ball back quickly. But it gives him a sturdier platform behind the aggression. Here’s how he frames it:

• In possession: 3-4-3
• Out of possession: 5-2-2-1
• Team instruction: Gegenpress
• Favourite role right now: Advanced Wing-Back

The change to a back three allows him to keep width high up the pitch without leaving huge gaps in transition. It suits fantasy-draft squads, it suits league campaigns, and it doesn’t collapse if one position isn’t perfect. His core philosophy hasn’t shifted. Intensity, width, and quick decisions once the ball is won, but the shape makes that easier to sustain over a season.

 

Why This Works in FM26

The early version of FM26 leans slightly more towards defensive balance than FM24 did. The 3-4-3 naturally provides:

• Wide outlets so you aren’t forced into slow, central build-up
• A tight defensive structure as soon as possession is lost
• Numbers around second balls to keep pressure constant
• A front three that can stretch, combine, or counter depending on the opponent

It’s a shape you can put into most squads and trust. Nothing crazy experimental, just something that gives you control in the areas the match engine currently values most.

The Secret Tactic Stays Secret

One final question: is this the system he plans to take into the next World Cup? His answer was short. “I have one tactic that I’m currently still locking, for next year’s world cup.” So the 3-4-3 (3-4-2-1) is the version the public gets to see. The real plan designed for high-stakes knockout matches, is still being held back. Given what he managed last time, nobody will be surprised if that locked tactic changes the whole direction of the game again.

Make sure you check out the Feature Articles section for more great FM26 Tips and News.