FC 27 - Controls Guide

EA Sports FC 27 keeps the familiar football-game foundation of passing with Cross or A, shooting with Circle or B, sprinting with R2 or RT and switching defenders with L1 or LB, but several important systems now demand more manual input than before.

The biggest difference is not that every button has changed. It is that FC 27 asks you to take more responsibility for what happens after you press it. Competitive defending relies less on automatic tackles, through balls follow your directional input more strictly, crosses are aimed into space more deliberately, and redesigned corners give you direct control of attackers inside the box before the delivery arrives.

FC 27 also adds new attacking commands such as Triggered Curved Runs and Pass & Follow Runs. This guide covers the Classic PlayStation and Xbox layout, attacking, defending, dribbling, goalkeeper commands, set pieces and the confirmed new FC 27 controls. PC players using a controller get the corresponding gamepad layout, while keyboard bindings can be viewed and changed from Controller Settings.

These commands use the Classic controller preset. Alternate presets, custom mappings and accessibility settings can change the layout. FC 27 is still in its pre-release period, so verify newly added commands in Controller Settings after the final launch update.

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Movement and Dribbling Controls

Use the left stick to move the controlled player. FC 27's attacking changes place greater emphasis on directional intent, so clean stick movement matters when receiving passes, creating angles and attacking open space.

Do Not Hold Sprint Automatically

R2 or RT gives you maximum running speed, but it also makes close touches harder to manage. Sprint when attacking open grass, chasing a loose ball or breaking beyond a defender. Release it when approaching a crowded area.

Use Small Left-Stick Inputs in Tight Areas

Sharp full-stick changes are useful when escaping pressure, but small movements make it easier to keep possession when waiting for a passing lane.

FC 27 Rewards Better Dribblers under Contact

On supported current-generation platforms, high-level dribblers can enter the new off-balance dribbling state after a bump or shoulder challenge. You still retain directional control while the player stumbles, so keep moving instead of assuming the ball is already lost.

Do Not Force Off-Balance Dribbling

It is driven by attributes such as Balance, Agility and Dribbling. Treat it as a recovery opportunity rather than a move you manually activate.

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How to Sprint

Hold R2 or RT while moving to sprint.

Sprint into Space, Not into Defenders

If a defender is directly in front of you, release sprint before attempting the next turn. A slower touch gives you more control over the following pass or dribble.

Sprint after the First Touch

When receiving a forward pass, control the ball first if necessary and then accelerate. Holding sprint before the ball arrives can produce a heavier touch.

Use Sprint Defensively

R2 or RT is also essential for recovery runs. In FC 27, manual defending is more important, so matching an attacker with your selected defender is often more effective than hoping an AI teammate steps in.

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Shielding the Ball

Hold L2 or LT while controlling the ball to shield it from a nearby defender.

Put Your Body between Defender and Ball

Shielding works best when the opponent is behind or slightly beside your player. If you face the defender directly, simply holding L2 or LT will not solve the problem.

Use Shielding before Passing Backward

When a forward run closes, protect possession for a moment and recycle the ball instead of forcing a risky through pass.

Use It during Corner Battles

FC 27's redesigned direct corners allow you to control players inside the box before the ball arrives. Once you create a favorable position, shielding can help prevent the defender from stepping in front.

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Controlled Sprint

Hold R1 or RB while moving to use Controlled Sprint.

Use It between Jogging and Full Sprint

Controlled Sprint is useful when you want extra pace without taking the long touches associated with maximum acceleration.

Attack the Full-Back

Wingers with strong acceleration and dribbling can use Controlled Sprint to approach a defender before choosing between a cut inside, cross or full sprint down the line.

Release It before a Sharp Skill Move

Give yourself a short moment of neutral movement before trying a precise right-stick input.

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Strafe Dribbling

Hold L1 or LB and move with the left stick to strafe while facing more toward goal.

Use It to Wait for a Run

Strafe Dribbling is useful around the edge of the box when you need one extra second for a teammate to move between defenders.

Do Not Strafe in Open Space

It intentionally slows your forward progress. Use regular movement or sprint when the lane is already open.

Combine with a Sudden Exit

Move laterally, make the defender commit and then release L1 or LB before accelerating into the new space.

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Skill Moves

Use the right stick to perform skill moves. The exact animation depends on the input direction, the player's Skill Moves rating and the situation.

Use One Move with a Purpose

A single ball roll, step-over or change of direction can create enough space. Chaining several moves usually gives defenders time to recover.

Choose Players Who Can Execute the Input

Not every footballer has access to every animation. Learn a smaller set of reliable moves for the players you use most often.

Attack the Defender's Momentum

Skill moves are strongest when the defender is already moving. Wait for the opponent to shift one way, then escape toward the space they just left.

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Ground Pass

Press Cross or A for a standard ground pass.

Use Short Passes to Change the Defender's Shape

FC 27 rewards intentional attacking movement. Passing sideways or backward can pull a manually controlled defender out of position before you attack the space behind them.

Do Not Always Pass to the Furthest Player

A safe midfielder can create a much stronger second pass than a direct ball into a crowded striker.

Watch the Receiver's Body Position

Passing to a teammate who is already facing forward makes the next action faster.

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Through Pass

Press Triangle or Y to attempt a ground through ball.

FC 27 makes this input more demanding. Through passes now follow your directional aim more strictly instead of being heavily corrected toward a convenient open lane.

Aim at Space, Not the Runner

Point the left stick toward where you want the ball to travel. The runner should arrive at that space rather than forcing the pass directly toward their current body position.

Power Matters More

A weak through pass can die behind the run, while excessive power carries the ball into the goalkeeper or out of play.

Wait for the Defensive Line to Move

FC 27 improves attacking awareness, but the best through ball still depends on timing. Passing too early can leave your runner with no separation.

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Lob Pass and Cross

Press Square or X to play a lobbed pass or cross.

Crossing has been reworked in FC 27. Deliveries now target open space more often, while your aim and power have a greater effect on where the ball lands.

Cross in Front of the Runner

Do not aim only at the striker's current position. Lead an arriving attacker into the space they are moving toward.

Reduce Power for the Near Side

A short target near the edge of the box needs less power than a far-post delivery.

Accept That Bad Crosses Can Miss Everyone

FC 27 intentionally gives you more responsibility. A poorly aimed cross can travel through the entire penalty area without finding a teammate.

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Shooting

Press Circle or B to shoot. Hold the button longer for additional power.

Power Is Not Accuracy

Close-range chances often need less power than players expect. Excessive charge can send a simple finish over the bar.

Prepare the Body before Shooting

A player facing goal with a balanced touch generally produces a cleaner finish than someone shooting while turning sharply.

Do Not Shoot through a Defender

If a defender is directly in the shooting lane, one extra touch can be more valuable than immediately testing the block.

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Finesse Shot

Hold R1 or RB and press Circle or B to perform a finesse shot.

Use It When the Far Corner Is Open

Finesse shots are useful when approaching the box at an angle and curling around the goalkeeper.

Attributes Matter More in FC 27

EA has reduced the gap created by Finesse Shot PlayStyle tiers. Core shooting attributes now have a stronger influence on spin, animation speed and effectiveness from difficult angles.

Do Not Assume PlayStyle+ Guarantees a Goal

The player's shooting quality, body angle and power remain important.

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Chip Shot

Hold L1 or LB and press Circle or B to chip the goalkeeper.

Wait for the Keeper to Commit

The chip is strongest when the goalkeeper has already moved aggressively toward the attacker.

Use Moderate Power

Too little leaves the ball within reach; too much sends it over the goal.

Do Not Use It against a Keeper on the Goal Line

A conventional finish is usually safer when there is no need to lift the ball over the goalkeeper.

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Power Shot

Hold L1 + R1 on PlayStation or LB + RB on Xbox and press the Shoot button.

Create Space First

Power Shots require a more deliberate setup. Trying one while a defender is already making contact often results in a blocked or interrupted attempt.

Use Them after a Loose Clearance

A ball dropping outside the box can provide enough room for the longer preparation.

Do Not Overuse Them

A normal or finesse finish remains quicker when the defense is close.

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Triggered Runs

Tap L1 or LB while attacking to ask a nearby teammate to make a forward run.

Look at the Runner before Triggering

The command is most useful when you know which teammate will respond.

FC 27 Limits Manual Run Distance

Triggered players will no longer continue indefinitely across the entire pitch. They eventually stop and return to a useful positional role.

Trigger Again If Necessary

If the attack develops slowly and you still want the run to continue, send another command while the player remains within useful range.

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Triggered Curved Runs

FC 27 introduces a new manually triggered curved run.

Use It to Bend around a Centre-Back

Unlike a normal straight run, the teammate searches for a curved path through useful space. This can help them stay available rather than sprinting directly into a defender.

Give the Run Time

Curved routes are longer than straight ones. Do not release the through ball immediately just because the command has been triggered.

Watch the Offside Line

The new attacking awareness is designed to create more intelligent movement, but you still need to time the pass.

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Pass and Follow Run

FC 27 also adds Pass & Follow, an alternative to the familiar straight Pass & Go.

After releasing the pass, the passer makes a curved follow-up run, choosing an overlap or inside route according to available space.

Use It around the Box

A midfielder can pass wide and then curve into a central lane instead of running straight behind the receiver.

Use It to Create Overlaps

Full-backs and wide midfielders can become much harder to track when the follow-up run bends around the receiving player.

Do Not Force the Return Pass

The new run creates another option. If the defense follows it, use the space that opens elsewhere.

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Changing Player while Defending

Press L1 or LB to switch to another defender. Use the right stick toward a specific player for more deliberate manual switching.

Manual Switching Is More Important in FC 27

Competitive gameplay reduces AI auto-tackling and interception reach. The game expects you to select the defender who should actually challenge for possession.

Switch before the Pass Arrives

Do not wait until the attacker already controls the ball. Anticipate the likely receiver and take command early.

Use Right-Stick Switching in Dangerous Areas

L1 or LB may choose a reasonable player, but the right stick gives you greater control when several defenders are close together.

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Jockeying

Hold L2 or LT while defending to jockey.

Stay between Ball and Goal

Do not chase every dribble touch. Maintain an angle that protects the most dangerous route.

Manual Jockey Is Stronger in FC 27

Manually controlled defenders have improved jockey speed compared with FC 26, making correct positioning more rewarding.

Release When You Need Recovery Speed

If the attacker has already escaped into open space, transition from jockeying to sprinting rather than remaining in a slow defensive stance.

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Stand Tackle

Press Circle or B to attempt a standing tackle.

Wait for a Heavy Touch

FC 27 removes Competitive auto-tackles from AI-controlled defenders and increases the effectiveness of manually triggered tackling. Timing is therefore more important than repeatedly pressing the button.

Approach under Control

Jockey into position and tackle once the ball becomes reachable.

Do Not Tackle from Behind

Even a well-rated defender cannot turn a poor angle into a safe challenge.

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Hard Tackle

Use R1 + Circle on PlayStation or RB + B on Xbox for a more aggressive standing challenge where supported by the selected defending configuration.

Reserve It for Clear Opportunities

The stronger commitment can win a loose ball decisively but also leaves the defender exposed when mistimed.

Use It near the Touchline

A missed challenge can be less dangerous when the attacker has limited space behind you.

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Slide Tackle

Press Square or X to slide.

Use It as a Last-Ditch Tool

Sliding removes your player from the defensive shape. A missed tackle can immediately create a shooting chance.

Attack the Ball's Path

Sliding into where the attacker currently stands is less effective than cutting across where the next touch will go.

Stay on Your Feet around the Box

A standing tackle or jockey is usually safer when a foul would produce a dangerous free kick or penalty.

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Teammate Contain

Hold R1 or RB to ask a second defender to contain the ball carrier.

FC 27 reduces how aggressively the AI teammate closes the attacker in Competitive gameplay. The containing defender stays farther away than before, encouraging you to switch manually when it is time to challenge.

Use Contain to Buy Time

Let the teammate slow the attack while you cover a passing lane with the selected player.

Do Not Expect the AI to Win the Ball

The purpose is pressure and positioning, not automatic possession.

Switch to the Containing Player at the Right Moment

Once the attacker becomes vulnerable, take manual control and tackle.

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Goalkeeper Rush

Hold Triangle or Y to bring the goalkeeper off the line.

Commit When the Attacker's Touch Is Heavy

A rushing goalkeeper is strongest when they can reach the ball before the next controlled touch.

Do Not Rush Automatically

Leaving goal too early creates an easy chip or square pass.

Release the Button if the Chance Disappears

Do not continue charging toward an attacker who has already moved wide and lost the shooting angle.

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FC 27 Corner Kick Controls

Direct corners have been significantly redesigned.

First choose the intended delivery area. Once the cross is prepared, FC 27 shifts the camera into the penalty box and briefly gives you direct control of an attacking player before the ball arrives.

Move Manually inside the Box

The game no longer automatically places your controlled attacker into the ideal heading position. Attack the intended landing zone yourself.

Switch Players

Use the standard player-switch input when another attacker offers a better run or matchup.

Use Avoidance

Avoidance helps your controlled attacker or defender move through crowded areas without becoming as easily blocked by another player's body.

Switch from Avoidance to Shielding

Use Avoidance to create separation and then L2 or LT to protect the position once you reach the desired space.

Time the Header Manually

Headers from corners are intended to be more skill-based in FC 27. Clean contact is less automatic, but a well-positioned header can be more accurate than before.

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Short Corners

The new box-control phase does not apply after taking a short corner. Once the short pass is played, the game returns to your normal gameplay camera.

Use Short Corners against Crowded Boxes

If the opponent packs the six-yard area, playing short can create a different crossing angle.

Do Not Take Them Automatically

Direct corners are much more interactive in FC 27, so experiment with the new positioning system instead of abandoning it immediately.

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Crossing and Headers

The combination of less-assisted crosses and manual box movement means aerial attacks need more preparation.

Start the Run before the Ball Arrives

A stationary striker gives the defender an easier contest.

Attack Space rather Than the Marker

Use the new movement freedom to approach from an angle where you can meet the ball first.

Accept Imperfect Contact

Players may stretch, dive or adjust their body rather than producing the same clean header animation every time.

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Free Kicks

Use the left stick to aim and Circle or B to power the free kick. The right stick is used for spin and trajectory adjustments where available in the set-piece interface.

Aim before Charging Power

Set the intended target first so you are not making major directional changes during the run-up.

Reduce Power from Short Range

Close free kicks benefit more from placement and spin than maximum force.

Use a Pass when the Wall Removes the Direct Shot

Not every free kick needs to become a shooting attempt.

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Penalties

Use the left stick to select direction and Circle or B to shoot. Power and timing determine how difficult the attempt is for the goalkeeper.

Do Not Hold Maximum Direction Too Early

Keep your aim controlled so you do not drag the shot outside the post.

Watch the Composure Indicator

Wait for the timing element to reach a favorable state before committing when the set-piece system provides it.

Change Your Pattern Online

Repeatedly using the same corner makes you predictable over multiple penalties.

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Goalkeeper Controls in Player Career and Clubs

Stay Central before Guessing

Goalkeepers become much easier to beat when they move too early. Protect both corners for as long as possible.

Use Auto Positioning as Help, Not Autopilot

L1 or LB can improve your base location, but you still need to read crosses, through balls and rebounds manually.

Rush only when You Can Win the Race

A goalkeeper caught halfway between the penalty spot and goal is vulnerable to almost every type of finish.

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Be a Pro Outfield Controls

When you control one footballer rather than the whole team, face buttons become requests to AI teammates.

Do Not Call for the Ball Every Second

Move into a useful lane first. Repeated requests can force teammates into poor passes and damage the entire attack.

Make the Run before Asking

Give the passer a clear visual target rather than demanding the ball while standing beside a defender.

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Can You Remap FC 27 Controls?

Yes. Open Settings, enter Controller Settings and choose the preferred control preset or custom options available on your platform.

Classic Is the Best Reference Layout

Most tutorials, guides and competitive discussions describe buttons using Classic controls.

Use Alternate If It Matches Older Muscle Memory

There is no competitive advantage in forcing yourself to use Classic if another preset feels significantly more natural.

Check Competitive Master Switch Settings

Online competitive modes can enforce specific assistance behavior even when your local preference is different.

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PC Controls

FC 27 supports keyboard input on PC as well as PlayStation and Xbox-style controllers. Keyboard mappings can be reviewed and customised through Controller Settings.

A Controller Is Usually Easier for Analogue Movement

Football constantly requires intermediate directions and variable movement, making an analogue stick particularly useful for dribbling, jockeying and player positioning.

Keyboard Remapping Is Still Useful

Players accustomed to keyboard can assign passes, shots, switching and modifiers around their preferred hand position rather than relying on the default layout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you sprint in FC 27?

Hold R2 on PlayStation or RT on Xbox while moving.

How do you pass?

Press Cross on PlayStation or A on Xbox for a standard ground pass.

How do you through pass?

Press Triangle or Y. FC 27 gives directional aim more influence, so point into the intended passing lane carefully.

How do you shoot?

Press Circle on PlayStation or B on Xbox and vary the hold duration to control power.

How do you finesse shot?

Hold R1 or RB while pressing the Shoot button.

How do you chip the goalkeeper?

Hold L1 or LB while pressing Shoot.

How do you perform a Power Shot?

Hold L1 + R1 or LB + RB and press Shoot.

How do you defend in FC 27?

Manually switch defenders, use L2 or LT to jockey and press Circle or B when the tackle is properly lined up.

Why does AI defending feel weaker?

Competitive FC 27 intentionally reduces AI auto-tackling and interception reach so manually controlled defenders are responsible for winning the ball.

How do you use Teammate Contain?

Hold R1 or RB. The teammate applies pressure but stands slightly farther from the dribbler than in previous versions.

How do you trigger a normal attacking run?

Tap L1 or LB while facing the teammate you want to send forward.

How do you trigger a curved run?

Tap L1 + R1 on PlayStation or LB + RB on Xbox.

How do you perform Pass & Follow?

Press L1 + R1 + Cross on PlayStation or LB + RB + A on Xbox.

What is Avoidance on corners?

Hold R1 or RB during the new direct-corner positioning phase to move more freely through crowded areas before the delivery arrives.

Can you manually control players on corners?

Yes. FC 27's redesigned direct corners move the camera into the box after you choose the delivery, allowing you to move and switch attackers before the ball arrives.

Can FC 27 controls be remapped?

Yes. Available presets and custom controller options can be changed from Controller Settings.

Does FC 27 have different gameplay on older consoles?

Some FC 27 features, including off-balance dribbling and The Grounds content, are limited to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.

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Final Control Advice

If you already know FC 26, do not waste your first matches relearning every basic button. Concentrate on what FC 27 changes around those inputs. Through passes need more deliberate direction, crosses require more meaningful aim and power, Competitive defending expects you to switch players manually, and direct corners now turn positioning inside the box into part of the set piece itself.

The most important new attacking combinations to memorise are L1 + R1 or LB + RB for a Triggered Curved Run and L1 + R1 + Cross or LB + RB + A for Pass & Follow. These give you more ways to create movement without relying entirely on AI runs.

See our FC 27 Tips and Tricks Guide for attacking patterns, manual defending, corner strategies, passing, shooting, Ultimate Team, Career Mode and The Grounds advice.