A formation describes how a team's ten outfield players are arranged, counted from defence to attack. "4-3-3" means four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
4-4-2
Two banks of four and two strikers. It is simple, balanced and easy to organise defensively, which is why it remains popular with teams that rely on compact defending and quick counter-attacks. Its weakness is that three central midfielders can outnumber its two.
4-3-3
Four defenders, a midfield three (often one holding and two box-to-box players) and a front three with two wingers. It suits teams that press high and attack down the flanks. Many African national teams use it to make the most of fast wingers.
4-2-3-1
Two defensive midfielders protect the back four, with three attacking midfielders behind a lone striker. It offers control in midfield and creativity behind the striker, and is one of the most common systems in modern football.
3-5-2 and 3-4-3
Three centre-backs with wing-backs who cover the whole flank. These systems add a defender while still attacking wide, but demand very fit wing-backs. In defence they often become a back five (5-3-2 or 5-4-1).
4-1-4-1 and 4-5-1
Defensive variations with a crowded midfield, useful against stronger opponents. Morocco's run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals was built on a disciplined defensive shape and fast transitions.
Formations are flexible
Teams change shape in and out of possession. A 4-3-3 may defend as a 4-5-1 and attack as a 2-3-5 when full-backs push forward. When reading a team sheet, think of the formation as a starting point rather than fixed positions.
See how the formations translate into results in our Elo rankings, or read about each position.