FC 26 Lag - unplayable - losing streak - ignoring input

I have exactly the same issues but on XBOX One, and I mean exactly. This is my first post on this board after some time and your post perfectly describes why I finally logged back into the EA forum after almost 6 years. The last FiFa I played was 20.

My players have 33 chemistry, ++ roles assigned, and PlayStyles like Jockey, Bruiser, or Anticipate. In-game, I trigger High Press when defending. However, the AI controlling my teammates behaves exactly as you described. I even tried setting a '71' depth for my defensive line, but the AI neither pressured the opponent quickly nor defended effectively. I ran a flat 4-4-2: LB/RB on 'Balanced Fullback,' CB's on 'Defender—Defend,' and my CMs split between 'Box-to-Box—Balanced' and 'Holding—Defend.'

I can provide a perfect example: I was jockeying an attacker who had the ball. Their second attacker (controlled by their AI) made a run into my defense. Instead of holding the offside line, my AI defender tracked that runner. Suddenly, that runner turned back toward the halfway line, but my defender kept sprinting toward the goal line like an *****. This created a massive gap that the ball carrier ran through like Moses parting the Red Sea and scored.

I have a few questions:

Matchmaking: I played Gauntlet 5, where there is no option to filter for 'Solo Players Only' (unlike in Rivals). Am I actually playing 1v1, or is EA matching solo players against Co-op teams in Gauntlet? I didn't see a 'Player Lock' icon, but the opponent's defender moved as if it were being manually controlled during a skill move.

AI Competency: Why does the AI play like a total amateur despite me using high-rated cards like 89 Mapi León, 88 Irene Paredes, and 88 Andrea Jacinto?

Manipulation: I read that EA uses AI-powered tactics to frustrate players to make the game 'harder' or more addictive. Could a combination of poor AI logic and internet lag be causing this?

Rank/Skill Matching: When the game suggests I move from Semi-Pro to Pro in Squad Battles, is it possible the matchmaking logic is also being falsely adjusted?

Cheating: Is there a PC hack? A PC opponent once paused the game right in the middle of my attack while the ball was still live on the pitch.