A very small form factor multifiber fiber optic connection system includes an adapter and mating connectors with complementary prealignment features for prealigning multifiber ferrules in the adapter to prevent guide pin stubbing. The adapter has a prealignment feature formed on at least one interior side of each individual connector port and the connectors have a complementary prealignment formation along a side wall of the connector housing assembly. Each prealignment feature slidably engages the prealignment formation of a fiber optic connector as the fiber optic connector is inserted into the individual connector port to prealign a multifiber ferrule of the fiber optic connector in the adapter.