EA SPORTS FC 26 developers have shared details about the game's launch and changes awaiting players in Ultimate Team, Clubs, and Career Mode. The main focus is on slowing down the "power curve," updating rewards, bringing back Silver ICONs, and a new approach to SBC.

First Promo — Cornerstones

The kickoff event in FC 26 is Cornerstones. It focuses on players who are the backbone of teams: leaders, long-term transfers, and young talents. Cards will receive permanent upgrades and enhanced chemistry links (+2 Club Chemistry).

Rewards and SBC

• There will be no Player of the Month (POTM) SBC during early access — a first in many years.
• Showdown SBC now provides only a +1 OVR increase instead of +2 and includes a Role++ bonus.
• Advanced SBCs have been revamped: they are easier at the start of the season, will be released gradually throughout the year, with the first set dedicated to England-66.

Chemistry Styles

Chemistry Styles have undergone a significant rebalance:

• They now boost attributes like Stamina and Composure;
• Popular styles like Hunter and Shadow are no longer top-tier — they provide minimal increases;
• The new 3/6/9 system replaces the 4/8/12 model to balance styles more evenly.

Silver ICONs and New Campaigns

Silver ICONs return to Ultimate Team as part of the World Tour: Silver Superstars campaign. The first cards include Garrincha, Bobby Charlton, Eusébio, and Lev Yashin. Additionally, Cornerstones, Halloween promos, and major campaigns like TOTY and TOTS will be released throughout the year.

New Transfer Market Access System

FC 26 introduces Graduated Access:

• Only players with "clean" accounts from FIFA 23, FC 24, and FC 25 will have full access immediately;
• New accounts must complete the "On Your Way" Objective;
• After that, the market opens in 48 hours on PC and 24 hours on consoles and mobiles;
• During this period, players can list items but cannot search or buy.

Evolutions

The evolution system in FC 26 has received a significant rebalance. It now focuses on gradually enhancing weaker and mid-tier players rather than creating overpowered top cards. Improvements are more modest and released in small increments, slowing the "power curve" and making club development more balanced.

Additionally, repeatable evolutions with cooldowns have been introduced, allowing players to decide whether to invest in one player or spread boosts across several. Card designs change only with major upgrades, while minor improvements retain the original look.

Finesse Shots

Developers have also reworked the Finesse shot mechanics due to frequent complaints about their "overpowered" nature in previous versions. These shots are now less effective: top-spin is reduced, ball trajectory is altered, and it's no longer as easy to chip the goalkeeper from long distance. These changes will be noticeable in early access, making gameplay more realistic and closer to real football.

Seasonal Pass Cards

In FC 26's first season, players will gain access to unique cards through the standard and premium passes. The standard version allows unlocking Rogers, Gallagher, Nwaneri, and Quansah, along with Charles, Coady, Dembélé, Park, and Riviere. These cards provide a solid foundation for a basic squad and offer an early boost at the season's start.

The premium pass adds stronger players — Tomori, Mainoo, Ward-Prowse, Agyemang, and Sargent. They have higher initial ratings and better fit the meta, enabling quicker assembly of a competitive squad.

Chemistry Styles Update

In FC 26, the chemistry styles system has been completely overhauled to balance player development and eliminate the dominance of the same cards. The new boost model — using a 3/6/9 format instead of the old 4/8/12 scheme — reduces the gap between cards and makes upgrades more gradual.

Special attention has been given to styles that provide speed bonuses. Previously, cards like Hunter and Shadow were practically mandatory for most players, but now speed increases come with losses in other attributes. This turns style choice into a strategic decision rather than a standard template.

The focus has shifted to alternative styles: they now significantly enhance attributes like Composure, Reactions, and Stamina, opening new options for squad building and allowing for more diverse cards in the club.

Weekend League Rewards

In FC 26, developers have changed the reward structure in FUT Champs to slow overall progress and make prizes more balanced. Now, each victory has significant value, and top rewards are slightly less "overpowered" compared to last year.

For the 1st rank in the first season, players will receive:

• 85,000 coins;
• 2 packs with guaranteed players from the current campaign (Untradeable);
• 3 packs with TOTW 83+ players;
• 3 packs with rare gold players 88+;
• 10 packs with rare gold players 84+;
• 10 packs with rare gold players 83+;
• 10 packs with rare gold players 84+ (Untradeable).

This system supports a slower "power curve": players' squads will develop gradually, and the market will remain more stable.