The 4-3-3 was a development of the 4-2-4, and was played globally by the Brazilian national team in the 1962 World Cup. The extra player in midfield allowed a stronger defence, and the midfield could be staggered for different effects. The three midfielders normally play closely together to protect the defence, and move laterally across the field as a coordinated unit. The three forwards split across the field to spread the attack, and are expected to "tackle back". When used from the start of a game, this formation is widely regarded as encouraging defensive play, and should not be confused with the practice of modifying a 4-4-2 by bringing on an extra forward to replace a midfield player when behind in the latter stages of a game.

This adaptable formation is the most common in football today, so well known that it has even inspired a magazine title, FourFourTwo . The midfielders are required to work hard to support both the defense and the attack: one of the central midfielders is expected to go upfield as often as possible to support the forward pair, while the other will play a "holding role", shielding the defense; the two wide midfield players must move up the flanks to the goal line in attacks and yet also protect the fullback wide defenders.

The 4-4-2 diamond (also described as 4-1-2-1-2) staggers the midfield.

A variation of 4-4-2 with one of the strikers playing 'in the hole', or as a ' second striker ', slightly behind their partner. The second striker is generally a more creative player.