FPL Beginner's Guide: How to Play

To play FPL, you manage a 15-player squad within a 100.0 budget, balancing weekly starting lineups and transfers to maximize your total points. Please note that the FPL 2026/27 launch is not yet confirmed, as the season kicks off on Friday, 21 August 2026.

Building Your Initial Squad

Every manager begins with a 100.0 budget to assemble a 15-player squad. Your roster must consist of 2 goalkeepers, 5 defenders, 5 midfielders, and 3 forwards. Crucially, you are restricted to picking a maximum of 3 players from any single Premier League club, forcing you to diversify your team across the league.

Managing Your Weekly Lineup

Before each gameweek deadline, you must select your starting XI from your 15-player squad. You also designate a captain, whose points are doubled, and a vice-captain who takes over if your captain does not play. Tracking these decisions on your FPL dashboard is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

Transfers and Strategy

You are granted one free transfer each gameweek to adjust your squad. If you decide to make additional changes, each extra transfer incurs a 4-point penalty. Planning your moves carefully is key to long-term success, especially when considering upcoming fixtures for your captain picks.

FAQ

Can I pick more than 3 players from one team?

No, the official rules limit you to a maximum of 3 players from any single Premier League club.

What happens if I make more than one transfer in a week?

You get one free transfer per gameweek. Every additional transfer you make will cost you 4 points.

Is the FPL 2026/27 game open yet?

No, the launch for the 2026/27 season is not yet confirmed. The Premier League campaign begins on Friday, 21 August 2026.

Use these OneFPL tools

Put these to work on your team:

• [How to play FPL guide](/how-to-play-fpl)
• [Your FPL dashboard](/dashboard)
• [Captain picks](/captains)
• [/planner](/planner)

Sources

• Official FPL Rules

_Last updated: 9 July 2026_