EA FC 26 One-Year Retrospective | What Went Right and Wrong before FC 27?

Posted: Aug 21, 2026

EA FC 26 will hand over to FC 27 in September. Although the overall reception of EA FC 26 has been mixed, with negative opinions even outweighing positive ones, the fact remains that EA FC 26 has performed quite well commercially.

Looking back at how FUT 26 changed over the past year is still worthwhile, as it can provide a useful reference for players planning to play FC 27. Starting with several of the more important Promos and updates, let's take a look at what the official team actually did throughout the year.

Ultimate Scream (Title Update v1.1.0)

The first month after EA FC 26 launched was when player sentiment was at its strongest. Many of the issues players had complained about in FC 25 were changed or fixed by the official team. The on-pitch gameplay felt like some of the best in recent years, dribbling became more fluid and responsive, and the overall attacking experience was arguably the smoothest in the series.

Even more surprisingly, Ultimate Scream Promo returned on October 24 after a 6-year absence. It brought unexpected and exaggerated boosts to player attributes without breaking the game's balance too early, and many players enjoyed this Promo.

However, Title Update v1.1.0 released almost alongside Ultimate Scream Promo received a much less favorable response.

It slightly increased the speed and responsiveness of Sprint Jockey for user-controlled players, but significantly weakened R1 Dribbling.

Many players and content creators felt that the official team had overcorrected, pushing the game away from an attack-heavy meta and back toward a more defensive style in which scoring goals became more difficult. Around 68% of players reportedly disliked the update.

However, Title Update v1.2.0, released on November 11, managed to turn things around to some extent. It fixed overly strong AI defending as well as strange goalkeeper mistakes, which was exactly what players had been asking for.

Overall, although Title Update v1.1.0 was somewhat problematic, the first two months after EA FC 26 launched still offered a fairly enjoyable gameplay experience.

TOTY Promo (Title Update v1.4.0)

EA FC 26 TOTY Promo

By early 2026, FC 26 was approaching the biggest Promo of the year. This was a crucial turning point because player cards were about to receive a major increase in overall power, and most players were entering the middle stage of the game.

However, let's move slightly backward first and take a look at Title Update v1.4.0, which was released on January 5.

The core of this update was a reduction to overly strong AI defending. The reaction speed of AI defenders was lowered, giving attackers more room to operate. It also fixed an issue in Squad Battles where the computer AI would maintain possession excessively.

If this update had arrived during the early stages of FC 26, it probably would not have caused much concern. However, players had already been playing FC 26 for more than three months, and Ultimate Teams they had built around the existing gameplay were significantly weakened after the patch. The meta players also changed, which disrupted the in-game economy, leading many players to strongly dislike the update.

TOTY Promo, which launched on January 16, 2026, did little to ease the frustration. Many players reported that even after saving and opening a huge number of packs, it was still extremely difficult to see a single TOTY player.

Another issue during FC 26 TOTY Promo was the absence of something similar to the repeatable 82×20 Upgrade SBC from FC 25. That SBC allowed free-to-play players to turn a large amount of gameplay time into opportunities to open packs. Free players simply did not have enough FC 26 Coins to open large numbers of TOTY packs.

TOTY Promo also removed the traditional TOTY-themed packs and replaced them with a token-based system with lower overall rewards, leaving free-to-play players almost completely shut out from the top-tier rewards.

Overall, this period produced the most concentrated wave of negative feedback for FC 26, and the gameplay experience was no longer as enjoyable as it had been shortly after launch.

FUT Birthday (Title Update v1.5.0)

Title Update v1.5.0, released on March 4, was particularly important because it once again changed the way the game played.

The update weakened one-dimensional approaches that relied heavily on PlayStyles, such as Tiki Taka and Incisive Pass. This made matches more dependent on how well players judged space and timing rather than simply relying on specific abilities.

At the same time, players' base attributes became important again. Players with high Passing attributes gained a clearer advantage in short passing, making squad building more strategic.

This was another highly polarizing update. Although it delivered on some of the promises made when FC 26 launched, it changed the meta in much the same way as Update v1.4.0, causing the value of relevant players to fall from several hundred thousand FC 26 Coins to the low hundreds of thousands of FC 26 coins.

Perhaps as a way to make up for this, FUT Birthday Promo, which began on March 6, allowed players to choose which PlayStyle+ to add to a player card through Choose Your Own Adventure EVO. Overall, however, Promo was not particularly impressive.

TOTS Promo

EA FC 26 TOTS Promo

TOTS Promo officially began on April 17 and continued through May 22. It was a 6-week event and, like TOTS in previous years, was one of the most important Promos in FC 26.

The official team did not release another Title Update that fundamentally changed the core gameplay during this period. Most updates focused on bug fixes, but TOTS Promo itself was still worth discussing.

TOTS consistently introduced some of the strongest player cards of the year. Players such as Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, and Bruno Fernandes all received extremely powerful cards. However, player interest in TOTS was not particularly high.

On one hand, the absence of some elite stars, such as Vinicius Jr., disappointed players. On the other hand, the player cards introduced during FUT Birthday Promo already had extremely high attributes and multiple PlayStyles+, which made the improvement offered by TOTS cards feel relatively limited. As a result, players gradually lost interest in TOTS.

At least based on this Promo, the official team had not delivered on its promise to control power creep.

The World's Game(Title Update v1.6.0)

EA FC 26 The World's Game

Normally, FC 26 would gradually enter its late stage after TOTS, with the active player base slowly declining. However, 2026 was a World Cup year, and that helped keep FC 26 relevant.

Although it did not have FIFA license, FC 26 still used licenses for various national teams, clubs, and players to launch a World Cup-style event called The World's Game on June 4.

In addition to adding 53 licensed national teams, it introduced several well-received Promos, including Path to Glory and Glory Hunters. Both the player cards and token system received generally positive feedback.

From July through August, the Festival of Football shifted the official team's focus toward FC 27, so there were no major changes during this stage.

Will FC 27 Be Better Than FC 26?

To be honest, although EA FC 27 makes several changes based on FC 26, they are not enough to make it feel like a true next-generation experience. Throughout the entire FC 26 lifecycle, several gameplay adjustments frustrated players, but World Cup helped keep the game active and relevant for almost the entire year.

The full year of EA FC 26 brought players frustration, enjoyment, and fatigue. Once World Cup hype fades, FC 27 may find it difficult to replicate the situation seen with FC 26, and there is a strong chance that player enthusiasm will gradually decline after TOTS.

EA FC 26 Pre-Season Token Farming Guide | How to Maximize Weekly Token Rewards before FC 27?

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EA FC 26 Pre-Season Token Farming Guide | How to Maximize Weekly Token Rewards before FC 27?
EA FC 27 will arrive in one month, and EA FC 26 has also launched Season 10: Pre-Season, with Pre-Season event serving as a warm-up for the upcoming game.

UT mode store has also introduced Pre-Season Tokens, a new type of token that is separate from Festival of Football Tokens and FUTTIES Tokens. Here is how to obtain Pre-Season Tokens as quickly as possible.

Objectives

The first thing to focus on is Objectives system. Weekly Objectives, Season 10 Double Trouble, and Pre-Season Completionist do not include Pre-Season Tokens, but they do offer Icons, packs, and FC 26 Coins, so they are still worth completing if you have time.

Pre-Season Player Objectives are another important source, with each set rewarding a player and tokens. The players are Callum Wilson, Catarina Macario, Nicolás Otamendi, and Leandro Trossard.

Pre-Season Wilson awards 100 FUTTIES Tokens, while the subsequent player objectives switch to 100 Pre-Season Tokens instead of FUTTIES Tokens.

FUTTIES Token Collector #4 also includes 100 Pre-Season Tokens. These objectives can be completed in any game mode, including Squad Battles on Semi-Pro difficulty or higher, Live Events, Rivals, and Champs, so the best choice depends on personal preference. The tasks themselves are simple enough, making these 100 tokens particularly easy to obtain.

In Live Events Objectives, FUTTIES Daily Knockout Tournament and FUTTIES Daily Knockout Tournament Bonus Completionist both provide Pre-Season Tokens.

The two Objectives provide a combined total of 200 tokens. Both are time-limited, but missing them is not a major issue because the official team is expected to release more similar Live Events later.

Other Objectives currently do not offer tokens, but more Objectives containing Pre-Season Tokens should become available after Friday’s update. Be sure to regularly check all Objectives under Seasonal Campaign and Live Events so that no token opportunities are missed.

Division Rivals

The next source of tokens comes from weekly Division Rivals rewards. This lets you make progress in two areas at once, because completing Objectives in Rivals also contributes toward your weekly rewards.

For example, in Division 3, reaching 24 points grants 500 Pre-Season Tokens along with FC 26 Coins and several packs. Even with 15 points, you can still receive 250 tokens.

The specific rewards are as follows:
- Division 1: 600 tokens
- Division 2: 500 tokens
- Division 3: 500 tokens
- Division 4: 500 tokens
- Division 5: 450 tokens
As you can see, the difference in token rewards between divisions is relatively small, while the competitive intensity can vary considerably. Even Division 5 is only 50 tokens behind the higher divisions. Overall, Division 3 and Division 4 offer a strong balance between the required effort and token rewards.

If you want to improve your Division, besides skill, you also need stronger players. You can buy FC 26 coins at IGGM.com and then build a stronger team.

For registered IGGM users, you can also use the points accumulated through IGGM check-ins to redeem discounts or cash coupons in IGGM Coupons. You can use them in your FC 26 order to get discounts.

Squad Battles

Another gameplay-based way to obtain tokens is through Squad Battles:
- Rank 1-200: 600 tokens
- Elite 1: 600 tokens
- Elite 2: 600 tokens
- Elite 3: 600 tokens
- Gold 1: 400 tokens
- Gold 2: 300 tokens
- Gold 3: 200 tokens
If you complete all of the matches, you should be able to reach at least Gold 2 or Gold 1, and potentially an Elite rank. This means an additional 400 to 600 tokens each week.

Pre-Season Tokens SBCs

Besides the 2 methods above, there is another way to obtain Pre-Season Tokens. Head to SBCs and find the Swaps tab.

The official team has replaced the rewards in this section from FUTTIES Tokens with Pre-Season Tokens. From 83 OVR Token Swap through 91 OVR Token Swap, you can use your available Fodder to exchange for Pre-Season Tokens.

For example, 91 OVR Token Swap requires five players rated exactly 91 OVR and rewards 75 tokens. It can be refreshed once per week. The other Token Swap requirements work in a similar way, although the number of tokens awarded varies.

90 OVR Token Swap provides 60 tokens, while 89 OVR Token Swap provides 50 tokens. 88 OVR Token Swap provides 40 tokens.

If you complete all of them, you can obtain roughly 200 to 300 tokens per week through Swaps. Thanks to the repeatable 85×10 pack, Fodder is currently almost unlimited, which effectively means another 300 tokens can be obtained each week at no additional cost.

Total Tokens

Through SBC Swaps, you can obtain around 300 tokens per week, while Division Rivals and Squad Battles can provide up to 1,000 tokens per week.

Objectives are a little more complicated, averaging around 500 tokens per week, although more opportunities should be added later. That means you can currently accumulate around 1,800 Pre-Season Tokens per week.

The weekly limit for Pre-Season Tokens has been increased - from 1000 tokens to 3000 tokens. This significantly increases the amount of rewards players can redeem each week.

Since the weekly acquisition limit for Pre-Season Tokens is 3,000, and there is currently no storage limit. The current acquisition amount has not reached the cap yet, so the official team may increase the token rewards from Division Rivals and Squad Battles later. Even if you have not accumulated many tokens yet, there is no need to rush.

As for how to use Pre-Season Tokens, Ferdinand Icon, worth 2000 tokens, offers the best value. Both evolutions only provide 4+ match styles, and currently, players prefer cards with 5+ match styles.

The shop will be updated with more content on Fridays, including additional players and evolutions similar to those added during FUTTIES; you can stay tuned.
How to Maximize the Value of EA FC 26 FUTTIES Team 4 This Week and Use It to Build Endgame Squads?

The launch of Team 4 last Friday signals that FC 26 FUTTIES promo will conclude this coming Friday (as each team runs for one week). It is unlikely that any further promos featuring new cards will be released after this, as the game prepares for the launch of FUT 27.

This means that if you plan to play FIFA 26 right up to the end, this week offers not only a chance to secure fresh resources but also a crucial opportunity to wrap up your campaign effectively.

To help you make the most of FUTTIES Team 4 and maximize its value during the final stretch of FC 26, we have put together this exclusive guide.

Complete all relevant activities for this week

During any FUT 26 promo, new related activities, including SBCs, Objectives, Evolutions, and more, are released almost daily. Make sure you take every opportunity to earn promo player cards and upgrade them.

Since each FUTTIES team is available for only one week, your first priority should be completing all Team 4 activities to unlock players you like or those that can strengthen your existing squad.

Currently live activities include FUTTIES Fun Run Objective, FUTTIES Challenge 8 SBC, and FUTTIES #12 Objective, with more sure to follow in the coming days. Completing them will earn you FC 26 coins and new packs of specific rarities.

Devise an infinite SBC loop strategy

Completing new activities is just the first step. If you want to capitalize on the final week of FUTTIES to acquire rare resources, the key lies in using an infinite SBC loop to continuously generate top-tier cards.

To do this, start by submitting any unused standard FUT 26 Gold, Silver, or even Bronze cards into low-tier SBCs. Use these low-level upgrades to obtain mid-to-high-rated cards (OVR 80-85) as your starting capital.

Next, use these resources to complete higher-level SBCs. Once you receive rewards and open packs, combine your high-rated and low-rated cards to complete further SBCs, deciding how to use duplicate cards based on their value.

If you have duplicate cards with an OVR higher than 99, you can keep them to quickly complete multi-stage SBCs; sell the rest for FUT 26 coins and aim to unlock as many FUTTIES Team 4 player cards as possible before this Friday.

However, it is worth noting that once FUTTIES event ends, there is no need to keep selling cards unless necessary, as there won't be any new events worth investing in. Instead, you should focus on using them to build the ultimate squad for FUT 26.

Building an endgame squad

If you have a substantial coin balance and plan to start building your endgame squad this week, your focus should shift from cost-efficiency to maximizing the gameplay experience and personalization, as resources are no longer a constraint.

To achieve this, prioritize the combination of optimal PlayStyles+ for your players; at least within FC 26 game engine, PlayStyles+ take precedence over raw stats.

For instance, prioritize equipping strikers with Finesse Shot+, Power Shot+, and Quick Step+, while Technical+ and Tiki Taka+ are ideal for CAM, RW, and LW positions.

Beyond simply stacking PlayStyles+ and high OVR ratings, you can build a squad based on personal preferences, such as uniting players from the same club across different eras or assembling the ultimate squad for your national team to make up for World Cup disappointments.

During this process, alongside top-tier cards, you can utilize the new Evolutions introduced in FUTTIES Team 4 to upgrade standard cards that have been with you since the start of the season, keeping them in your endgame squad as a memento.

Additionally, having unlocked various players from FUTTIES Teams 1 through 3 over the past three weeks, you can select the most valuable ones to upgrade and build an ultimate squad composed entirely of FUTTIES versions.

Use all FUTTIES tokens

FUTTIES tokens have a shorter lifespan than FUT 26 coins; the redemption window is expected to close once Team 4 ends, after which you will no longer be able to exchange these tokens for standard rewards.

So, if you still have leftover FUTTIES tokens before this Friday ends, it is best to use them all up. Even if the player cards you get in return aren't particularly useful, they are still better than having tokens that expire and become worthless.

Enjoy the matches

As the update cycle for FIFA 26 draws to a close, the pressure to win in Ultimate Team's competitive modes is easing.

This means you aren't locked into a handful of standard tactics just to secure a victory; instead, you can experiment with different playstyles and rediscover the pure joy of football.

For instance, you could test out the effectiveness of niche tactics and formations, or try executing complex skill moves during matches that you wouldn't normally risk using. Mastering these techniques now could also give you a head start when you move on to FIFA 27.

You can also play stress-free matches against friends, using your respective endgame squads in custom-rule games.

Laying the groundwork for the transition to FC 27

Shortly after FUTTIES Team 4 concludes, EA Sports FC 26 is expected to launch Pre-Season event designed to bridge the gap to the new title; completing this event can help you stockpile resources that carry over to FIFA 27.

While specific requirements aren't yet known, FUTTIES players might play a key role in Pre-Season event given the timing. So, even if you missed out on the first three teams, putting in the effort this week can help you make up for lost ground.

That covers the importance of maximizing FUT 26 FUTTIES Team 4 promo this week, along with key strategies to do so. We hope this helps you wrap things up perfectly in a month's time!
EA FC 26 FUTTIES Team 4 Leaks and Preparation | Final Team, SBCs, EVOs and Market Strategy
EA FC 26 FUTTIES Team 4 will be released on Friday, August 14. According to the official information previously shared, this will be the final FUTTIES team, and there will be no Team 5 afterward. As a result, the players included in Team 4 are especially worth watching.

However, based on the leaked information, FUTTIES Team 4 lineup has already caused some controversy, as many of the football stars players were hoping to see have not been selected. Let's take a look at the leaked player list.

EA FC 26 FUTTIES Team 4 Leaks

Below is the leaked FUTTIES Team 4 lineup, but none of these names can be confirmed before the official release. The cards actually shown in the game should always be treated as the final reference.

FUTTIES Team 4 Icons:
- Gareth Bale
- Ronaldo Nazário
- Andrés Iniesta
- David Beckham
- Gennaro Gattuso
- Eric Cantona
- Alex Morgan
- Giorgio Chiellini
- Alex Scott
- DaMarcus Beasley
Regular Players
- 99 OVR Alexander Isak ST
- 99 OVR Bradley Barcola LW
- 99 OVR Harry Kane ST
- 99 OVR Callum Wilson ST
- 98 OVR Sakina Karchaoui LB
- 98 OVR Kadidiatou Diani RW
- 98 OVR Sadio Mané LW
- 98 OVR Kieran Tierney CB
- 97 OVR Leny Yoro CB
- 97 OVR Ona Batlle CB
- 97 OVR Antoine Semenyo RW
- 97 OVR Piero Hincapié CB
- 97 OVR Jule Brand CB
- 97 OVR Josefine Dahl LB
- 97 OVR Rose Lavelle CB
- 97 OVR Douglas Luiz CDM
- 97 OVR Kalidou Koulibaly CB
- 97 OVR Aaron Wan-Bissaka RB
- 97 OVR Mattéo Guendouzi CDM
- 96 OVR Koni De Winter CB
- 96 OVR Youssoufa Moukoko ST
- 96 OVR Hirving Lozano RW
- 96 OVR Ryan Sessegnon LM
- 96 OVR Lukas Klostermann ST
- 96 OVR Evan Ferguson ST
- 96 OVR Merlin Röhl CM
- 96 OVR Tristan Blackmon LB
- 96 OVR João Moutinho CM
- 96 OVR Jack Butland GK
- 96 OVR Manu Koné CDM
- 96 OVR Sofiane Diop ST
- 96 OVR Guillermo Ochoa GK
- 96 OVR Alayah Pilgrim RM
- 96 OVR Croix Bethune ST
- 96 OVR Serey Dié ST
Although this team includes superstars such as Harry Kane, there is no Messi, no Cristiano Ronaldo, no Neymar, no Dembélé, no Mbappé, and no Yamal.

The first, second, and third teams were in the same situation, as all of them were missing these superstars. Based on the information currently available, Team 4 is very likely to be the final FUTTIES team. This means that these major stars may not receive 99-rated FUTTIES cards this year.

Cristiano Ronaldo has received a 99-rated card in each of the past 12 FIFA titles. If the leaks turn out to be accurate, that streak could finally come to an end.

How to Prepare for FUTTIES Team 4?

Before EA FC 26 FUTTIES Team 4 arrives, EA FC 26 has also released Season 10 Pass, which is the final season before FC 27.

Premium Pass includes several FC 27 packs, so many players have likely already unlocked it. If you did not obtain a Generic Premium Pass Token, you need 500,000 FC 26 Coins to unlock it. This could leave some players short on Coins at this point.

If you need both Season 10 Pass and FUTTIES Team 4 players, a way to have both is to buy FC 26 coins at IGGM.com.

If you're still a registered IGGM user, don't forget IGGM check-ins and get points. You can redeem coupons with the points you earn from checking in!

Stockpile Resources

Before Team 4 goes live, your top priority should be stockpiling resources. From now on, avoid acquiring any high-value player cards. Once Team 4 arrives, a large number of players will open packs, new FUTTIES players will enter the market, and previously valuable cards will be affected.

If there is a specific player you want, you can wait until after Saturday noon, when the value of older FUTTIES cards should have fallen significantly.

Fodder cards are also currently available at low values, making this a good time to stock up. They will be essential materials for completing various SBCs in the future.

Some high-requirement SBCs may require multiple squads. Acquiring the required fodder players on Transfer Market in advance can help you avoid the increase in fodder demand that may occur after new SBCs go live.

Remember to clear your objectives and pile up untradeables. Complete every available objective and accumulate as many untradeable packs as possible. These are free resources, so do not waste them.

After Team 4 Goes Live

Once Team 4 is live, you need to approach SBCs strategically rather than putting resources into them blindly. It is recommended to prioritize SBCs for the highest-level players, such as 95+ FUTTIES Player Picks and high-rated “supply” upgrades. These are usually among the best ways to obtain 99-rated endgame cards.

Keep an eye on Repeatable upgrade SBCs. They are the core of converting the fodder cards you have stockpiled into more high-rated packs and creating a Pack Grind cycle. Do not overlook extremely low-requirement SBCs such as FUTTIES Challenge 4. They can also provide plenty of resources.

Market and Investment Strategy

During FUTTIES market crash, you can profit from the gap between lower acquisition values and higher resale values, or build squads at lower values.

The period when the event goes live on August 14 and the following weekend is usually when values reach their lowest point. This is especially true when a large number of Repeatable SBCs are released, which can push market values even lower.

If you have cards that you are planning to sell, the best window is from Thursday to Friday each week, as Rivals and Weekend League rewards can create a short-term surge in demand.

Popular players who perform exceptionally well in-game can be acquired after the market crash to build your ultimate squad. You can also put a large amount of resources into SBCs when fodder card values drop sharply.

It is recommended to keep 30–40% of your FUT 26 coins available to deal with unexpected high-value SBCs or market opportunities.

EVO Preparation

During FIFA 26 FUTTIES Team 4, new Evolutions will be released frequently. These EVOs can make the players in your club even stronger. Before completing any EVO, always check its requirements carefully. Many EVOs have restrictions that require the player's OVR to be no higher than 94 or 96.

That's everything currently known about FUTTIES Team 4 leaks and preparation. Even if the lineup is not as impressive as expected, players such as Harry Kane are still worth pursuing, and hopefully you can obtain the cards you need.
EA FC 26 FUTTIES Team 3 Endless Pack Method | From Bronze Players to 99 OVR Cards

With the release of FUTTIES Team 3, EA FC 26 has officially entered its endgame phase, and a large number of powerful 99 OVR cards are set to become part of the mainstream meta. However, these cards can often be worth tens or even millions of FUT 26 coins, putting them out of reach for many players.

In reality, there is a completely free way to obtain these player cards. As long as you follow the steps below, all you need to invest is some time. This allows you to open packs almost endlessly and potentially obtain some of the best players in FC 26.

Daily Upgrade

Everything starts with the most basic conversion process in the game. The core idea behind this method is to turn low-value resources into something much more valuable by completing untradeable SBCs and gradually upgrading lower-rated players into higher-value resources.

Daily Bronze Upgrade

First, complete EA FC 26 Daily Bronze Upgrade SBCs. Each completion requires only one Bronze player and is completely free. Complete it seven times in a row to receive seven free Bronze Player Packs.

Daily Silver Upgrade

Next, use Bronze players you just obtained to complete Daily Silver Upgrade. Each completion requires only one Silver player and is also free. Instead of stopping at seven completions, it is recommended to complete this SBC as many times as possible.

Open all Silver packs you receive and store every Silver player in your club again. These players will become essential materials for the next stage.

Daily Gold Common Upgrade

At this point, you should have a large supply of free Bronze and Silver players. They can now be used for a more advanced conversion process, which is where the main cycle begins.

Daily Gold Common Upgrade SBC is free and can be completed using Bronze and Silver players obtained earlier. Each completion rewards 11 Gold Rare players, and SBC can be completed seven times per day. This means you can obtain 77 Gold players each day, providing a massive amount of resources.

Complete SBC 7 times, open all the reward packs, and store all the players you receive in your club. Keep in mind that these rewards include both Gold Common and Gold Rare players, and each type has a different purpose.

Upgrade and Player Picks

5×80+ Upgrade

5×80+ Upgrade can turn a large number of Gold Common players into more valuable Rare cards and higher-rated players. Put as many of Gold Common players obtained in the previous step as possible into this SBC.

This SBC can be completed repeatedly and requires Gold Common players. In return, you receive Rare players as well as five players rated 80 or higher. You may occasionally pull a strong card during the process, but the primary goal is to build up a large supply of Rare player cards.

1 of 5 84+ Player Pick

Now, Rare player cards you have accumulated can become extremely useful. 1 of 5 84+ Player Pick SBC can be completed repeatedly and requires only four Rare players. This SBC is one of the core parts of the entire cycle because it consistently generates high-rated fodder.

How should high-rated and low-rated players be handled?

As the cycle continues, you will accumulate players with different ratings, so each group needs to be handled accordingly.

Handling 85-87 Rated Players (Provision Upgrade)

When you obtain players rated between 85 and 87, or even 88, from 84+ Player Pick or 80+ Upgrade packs, they should be put into Provision Upgrade SBC. This SBC can be completed repeatedly. By submitting three 85-rated players, you can receive 40 Gold players in return. This greatly expands your player pool and provides plenty of Gold cards for the next stages of the cycle.

Handling 84-Rated and Lower Players (TOTW Upgrade)

During the cycle, you will accumulate a large number of duplicate players rated 84 or lower. These players can be submitted into TOTW Upgrade SBC to obtain TOTW player cards. These cards are necessary for completing other higher-level SBCs.

85+ 10 Upgrade

This is an important SBC that can be completed daily. It requires a squad rated 84 and typically also requires a TOTW player. The reward is 10 players rated 85 or higher, making it an excellent way to obtain various promotional cards.

How to Obtain 99 OVR Player Cards?

Once you have accumulated some FUT 26 players rated 87 OVR or higher, you can move on to the repeatable FUTTIES Provisions Upgrade SBC. This SBC is designed to maximize the value of your high-rated players.

Submit four players rated 87 OVR or higher to receive 20 Gold Rare players and 10 Gold Common players, allowing you to build up an even larger pool of resources.

Once you have accumulated enough resources, you can move on to more advanced SBCs such as 5x 88+ Upgrade or 1 of 3 95+ FOF or FUTTIES T1 & T2 Player Pick, giving you a direct path toward 99-rated players.

With this cycle, you can open various high-level packs almost indefinitely. This method can produce top-tier players rated 95 or higher directly from 85+ 10 Player Upgrade, while 95+ Player Pick can also provide players rated 97 OVR or higher.

In short, during FUTTIES promotion, you can use SBCs such as Daily Upgrade to build a continuous cycle that generates increasingly higher-OVR player cards, eventually giving you a chance to obtain 99 OVR players from packs. Although the process requires a significant amount of time, it can make building a dream squad much easier at this stage of FUT 26.

If you get tired of these SBCs and cycles or don't have time to manage your cards, you can directly buy FC 26 coins at IGGM and then get FUTTIES players you want from the trading market.

If you are still a registered IGGM user, you can earn points through IGGM check in. You can redeem points for discount codes or cash coupons for your order at IGGM Coupon. Note that the number of coupons is limited each week, so choose the discount you want!
EA FC 26 FUTTIES Team 3 Schedule and Squad Leaks: How to Get More Endgame Players and Evolve Them?
Even as the game cycle nears its end, FUT 26 continues to roll out new events, often with increased frequency, designed to help you unlock powerful player cards and enjoy a smoother Ultimate Team experience before the new title's release.

To that end, the latest weekly promo series, FUTTIES Team 3, launches this Friday, August 7, bringing a fresh batch of player cards to the game.

To unlock these cards and bolster your existing squad, you'll need the right information, which we've outlined below.

FUTTIES Team 3 schedule

As the third installment of FC 26 FUTTIES promo, Team 3 takes over from Team 2 this Friday and runs until the following Friday, August 14, when Team 4 is set to launch.

We anticipate that Team 4 will be the final wave, concluding on August 21, meaning the entire FUTTIES promo will have spanned a full month.

As always, player cards from a specific FUTTIES Team are only available to earn through gameplay during that team's active week. So, if there's a Team 2 player you've had your eye on but haven't unlocked yet, now is the time for a final push!

Additionally, with FC 27 launching on September 25, and early access beginning a week prior, it is unlikely that any new promos will be released for FIFA 26 after FUTTIES ends. Instead, a potential Pre-Season Event will probably serve as the bridge between the old and new titles.

Team 3 squad

Leaks revealing new FIFA 26 promo squads a day or two in advance have become the norm in the community. This helps you decide early on whether the event is worth your time and coins, given the significant investment required.

The currently known FUTTIES Team 3 players include:

Standard Players:
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Joe Gomez
- Kenny Lala
- Ainhoa Moraza
- Joëlle Wedemeyer
- William Saliba
- Marquinhos
- Clément Lenglet
- Maya Le Tissier
- Joel Ordóñez
- Alejandro Balde
- Leonardo Spinazzola
- Patri Guijarro
- Sofyan Amrabat
- Alexis Beka Beka
- Natalia Ramos
- Nicolò Barella
- Yunus Musah
- Lily Yohannes
Icons & Heroes:
- Lilian Thuram
- Franz Beckenbauer
- Jamie Carragher
- Sonia Bompastor
- Daniele De Rossi
- Steven Gerrard
- Zinedine Zidane
- Johan Cruyff
- Sissi
- Gabriel Batistuta
How to get Team 3 players?

FUT 26 FUTTIES Team 3 players fall into two categories: standard players and Icons & Heroes. While some are guaranteed rewards via SBCs or Objectives, the latter category naturally has lower drop rates.

Given the limited timeframe of just one week, if you are aiming to acquire rare or specific Team 3 players, it is best to buy IGGM FC 26 coins in advance so you can execute precise trades on the transfer market.

By the way, we've launched a brand new points system. Register a new account and consistently check in daily to earn a steady income of points.

The longer you check in, the more points you'll accumulate. You can use your points to offset the cost of buying coins, or redeem them for IGGM coupons - the best value ever!

Additional transfer market tips

First, consider that for time-limited content like FUTTIES Team 3, the associated cards become unobtainable through gameplay once the promotion ends. Furthermore, very few players manage to secure these rare drops right at the start of the event.

Consequently, during both the initial launch and the final phase, FUTTIES Team 3 players, especially Icons and Heroes, become much harder to find or unlock on the market.

Therefore, if you are the type of player who relies heavily on transfer market trading, it is best to avoid these two specific periods.

Your chances of finding your desired cards at lower prices are significantly higher during the mid-to-late stages of Team 3 event, specifically between next Tuesday and Friday!

However, if you have stockpiled a large amount of FUT 26 coins, you need not worry too much, feel free to trade to your heart's content! Since coins do not carry over to FC 27, now is the perfect time to consume them all in exchange for a superior gaming experience.

Completing SBCs efficiently

Throughout the week of FUT 26 FUTTIES Team 3, the game will roll out additional SBCs. Some will feature specific Team 3 cards as the ultimate reward, accompanied by various pack rewards.

To complete more SBCs efficiently during the final stretch of FUT 26, you should employ targeted strategies. For instance, if an SBC requires a squad OVR of 87–88, you can mix high-rated cards, OVR 84–85 cards, and a few lower-rated gold cards to meet the criteria.

Additionally, if you recently acquired any high-rated duplicate cards, don't rush to sell them; they might prove invaluable for completing the exclusive FUTTIES Team 3 ICON SBCs.

Evolve your Team 3 players promptly

Several Evolutions, such as Year of the Fullbacks and Bail Out, launched this week in FIFA 26 and will run for three weeks; more may well be introduced next week.

These evolutions require you to select specific players (or those you feel need a boost) and complete associated objectives. Doing so raises the activated player's OVR or other attributes and can even unlock additional PlayStyles.

Crucially, the required tasks are usually straightforward; you simply need to invest some time playing matches.

Take Year of the Fullback, for example: simply completing a match in Squad Battles, Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Live Events, on at least Semi-Pro difficulty, advances Evolution (up to a maximum of five times).

In fact, it's not just Team 3; most FIFA 26 Evolutions run for extended periods. If you have cards from FUTTIES Teams 1 or 2 that are in dire need of an upgrade, don't miss this opportunity.

In short, whether it's FUTTIES Team 3 or 4, or any new FUT 26 event down the line, you can dive in wholeheartedly, without holding anything back! The game's update cycle is drawing to a close, so this is the final celebration!
EA FC 26 Progressive CDM Build in Clubs Mode: Mastering the Best Perks, Accelerate Types, and More to Craft!

Although coins do not carry over to the new title, earning more in FUT 26 now allows you to enjoy a more exciting and liberating virtual football experience toward the end of the cycle, thanks to your substantial assets!

There are many ways to earn FC 26 coins, but if you prefer playing as a specific player and upgrading your individual skills to help your club win more honors, this guide is for you.

Based on these mechanics, we are introducing a highly effective Progressive CDM Build for FIFA 26 Clubs.

What characterizes Progressive CDM Build?

In Clubs mode matches, every player must fulfill the role associated with their position. Progressive CDM Build refers to a specific playstyle tailored for Defensive Midfielder position.

The core configuration of this build includes three PlayStyle+: Jockey+, Anticipate+, and Intercept+, making it quite similar to Engine build which utilizes Engine specialization.

However, Progressive CDM Build holds an advantage: the fourth slot allows you to choose either Long Ball Pass+ or Incisive Pass+. In contrast, Engine build is limited to Rapid+ (which is suboptimal for a CDM) or Relentless+ (which is largely useless in FUT 26).

With this setup, a Progressive CDM balances defense, physicality, pace, dribbling, and passing ability. In short, this build meets virtually all the needs of a CDM.

Which perks should you add?

FIFA 26 introduces 12 specific Archetypes to the core Clubs gameplay. After selecting one, you earn AXP by completing matches to level up; these level-up rewards include additional perks that provide extra boosts.

For Progressive CDM, the first perk to unlock is Restarter. It grants a boost to your Long Passing, Short Passing, and Vision attributes after you successfully execute a standing tackle in your own half.

As a defensive midfielder, simply using Anticipate+ to win the ball back activates this perk, enhancing your passing ability and enabling you to launch attacks or even record assists.

Next, while Goalkeeper's Favorite perk is better suited for center-backs, it can also be effective on defensive midfielders, though the activation requirements are somewhat stricter.

If you choose Progressive+ specialization, you gain access to Jockey Plus, currently the best defensive perk in FC 26.

It makes you more responsive and agile when jockeying (lateral defending) and allows you to cover more ground when seamlessly transitioning from a jockey stance into a sprint.

For a Progressive CDM Build, this perk pairs excellently with standing tackles, as it enhances all defensive actions.

Wall Bounce perk grants a short-term boost after intercepting the ball in your own half, improving balance, curve, and short passing, and activates after just a single interception.

Which Accelerate type is better?

In FUT 26, Accelerate refers to a special mechanic that automatically assigns a movement profile based on attributes like acceleration and agility; it serves to further optimize player movement beyond raw stats.

The existing Accelerate types are Lengthy, Explosive, and Controlled. However, relying solely on the type displayed on the attribute screen is often inaccurate, as it doesn't account for the impact of height and weight.

For CDM builds, Controlled type offers greater agility and speed when changing direction or initiating a sprint, balancing long-distance running with short-burst acceleration. Conversely, Lengthy type, often recommended by the system for long-distance sprinting, is unnecessary for a CDM.

To achieve Controlled type, it is best to set the player's height to around 185 cm and the weight to the game's minimum of 75 kg. This configuration is highly effective for a CDM in FUT 26 Clubs matches.

How do PlayStyles work?

We have already mentioned several essential PlayStyles+ when discussing FIFA 26 Progressive CDM Build. Beyond those, Long Ball Pass Plus is particularly useful for a CDM who frequently plays lofted through balls.

As for other PlayStyles+, the setup is flexible with plenty of options. For instance, a passing-focused build might combine Long Ball Pass+ with Pinged Pass, Tiki-Taka, and Inventive. If you enjoy fancy passing, you can also switch to Dinked Pass or Trivela Pass.

If you want to boost your defensive capabilities, adding Slide Tackle, Aerial Fortress, or Enforcer is a great choice. Of course, feel free to experiment with other combinations based on your needs; PlayStyles setup offers a great deal of flexibility.

How should you allocate attributes?

To craft a reliable Progressive CDM Build in FC 26, it is best to max out your Skill Moves and Weak Foot.

However, if you are short on AP, a CDM can get by with 3-star or even 2-star Skill Moves; you can then invest the saved AP into other attributes you prefer, such as further boosting your Dribbling or Jumping.

There is no need to adjust passing attributes further; with Progressive CDM Build, Curve can only be raised by one more point, and the base value for Short Passing is already sufficient.

Regarding physical stats, setting Stamina to 80 allows you to utilize Quick Step PlayStyle+ perk. Raise Aggression to 96 and set Strength to 94, the latter accounts for the -3 penalty based on height and weight, bringing the effective stat to 91.

Maxing out Pace provides a +3 boost, resulting in 93 Acceleration and a 1-point increase in Sprint Speed. Capping Agility at 90 also grants an additional +3 boost, which is highly beneficial for defense, especially when combined with Jockey+ PlayStyle.

Next, aim for 89 in both Ball Control and Dribbling; high stats here are useful not only when in possession but also for defensive movements. Raising Composure to 91 will help you handle high-pressure situations more effectively.

That covers the key information for crafting Progressive CDM Build to dominate in Clubs mode and earn more FUT 26 coins. Hopefully, these tips help you make the most of the final two months of FIFA 26!