The Ultimate FIFA 26 Ultimate Team Guide: Pro Player Secrets
FIFA 26 Ultimate Team is now available and remains EA Sports FC’s most popular mode. If you’re new to this game mode, it can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of content it offers.
In this mode, we play matches to earn rewards that help us acquire better players for our team. You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the two main currencies: Coins and FC Points. Whether you’re playing on PS5, PS4, or Nintendo Switch, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you master FIFA 26 across all platforms. Best of all, you can build a competitive team for around 125,000 coins, making it accessible for most players at the start of the season.
That’s why we’ve compiled the best tips from pro players to help you get started in Ultimate Team, from the most effective formations (like the 4-3-3, which provides defensive balance and attacking creativity) to market strategies for flipping the best players in your first few days. In this definitive guide, you’ll discover all the secrets to success in FIFA 26 Ultimate Team from the very beginning.
How FIFA 26 Ultimate Team works on PS5, PS4, and Switch
Image: GamesRadar
The new EA Sports FC 26 (formerly known as FIFA) arrives with its highly anticipated Ultimate Team mode available on multiple platforms. This year, the gameplay experience varies significantly depending on whether you play on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch. We’re breaking down these differences and everything you need to know before starting your football adventure.
Differences between platforms
The FIFA 26 Ultimate Team experience isn’t the same across all consoles. The next-gen versions offer significant visual and technical advantages. On PS5 , the game runs in two modes: Quality ( dynamic 4K at 60 FPS ) and Resolution (4K at 60 FPS), providing the most polished visual experience.
On the other hand, on PS4 the game maintains a resolution of 1080p at 60 FPS, sacrificing some visual details but maintaining the fluidity essential for a sports game.
The big news this year is the Nintendo Switch 2 version , which sits halfway between PS5 and PS4. It uses the same Frostbite graphics engine as the current consoles and includes Hypermotion technology, albeit with some limitations. It runs at 1080p and 30 FPS in TV mode, and at 900p and 30 FPS in handheld mode, prioritizing visual quality over fluidity.
Unlike previous years, all versions share:
- Same game modes (Career, Ultimate Team, Rush, Clubs)
- Identical team and player licenses
- The same PlayStyles
- Stadiums, dribbles, celebrations and soundtrack
It’s important to note that EA offers “Dual Upgrade” for PlayStation and Xbox, meaning you can upgrade your PS4 copy to PS5 (or Xbox One to Series X|S) at no additional cost when you decide to switch consoles.
How much does FIFA 26 cost and what does each edition include?
Prices vary by platform and edition. The Standard Edition costs:
- €59.99 on Nintendo Switch
- €69.99 on PC and Nintendo Switch 2
- €79.99 on PlayStation and Xbox
The Ultimate Edition is priced at:
- €79.99 on Nintendo Switch
- €89.99 on Nintendo Switch 2
- €99.99 on PC
- €109.99 on PlayStation and Xbox
In terms of content, the Standard Edition includes the base game and Career and Club items, such as archetype consumables, ICON players, and a 5-star manager and scout. If you pre-ordered before launch, you’ll also receive a 92+ OVR Icon for Ultimate Team.
The Ultimate Edition adds significant benefits like 6,000 FC Points distributed over two months (4,500 for Nintendo Switch), an additional Player Evolution slot, the Season 1 Premium Pass, and a 93+ OVR Icon for Ultimate Team. These FC Points can be used in Ultimate Team, the Club Store, and FC Hub.
Release Date and Early Access
EA Sports FC 26 officially launched on September 26, 2025, for all platforms. However, those who purchased the Ultimate Edition enjoyed early access starting September 19 , a week earlier than everyone else.
Additionally, EA Play subscribers had access to a 10-hour trial starting September 19, while EA Play Pro members on PC were able to play the full version starting on that same date.
This early access provided a considerable competitive advantage, especially in Ultimate Team, where players were able to:
- Obtain Team of the Week 1 and 2 cards
- Perform Evolutions and Squad Building Challenges
- Accumulate Season Points Before Most
To complement the experience, the official Web app for browsers and the Companion App for mobile devices have been available since September 18, allowing you to manage teams even without access to the game.
Getting Started Guide: What Every Beginner Should Know
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If you’ve never played Ultimate Team before, getting started can seem overwhelming. In this mode, all players start from scratch, collecting cards and creating squads that gradually improve. Let’s break down the essential steps to ensure your experience is successful from day one.
How to create your first team
When you launch Ultimate Team for the first time, you’ll see several screens with getting started. I recommend skipping this introduction , as it provides fundamental basics.
To create your first team, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Choose your starting pack – Select one of the six available nations/leagues. This choice is important because it will determine the nationality of many players in your starting squad, including your highest-rated card.
- Complete your first objective in the ‘New Beginnings’ section to learn the basics and earn non-transferable rewards.
- Select a Fundamentals footballer from five random options with the reward obtained.
When choosing your starting league, consider options with a wide variety of players and market presence, such as the Premier League or La Liga. This facilitates chemistry and offers more opportunities for improvement. Don’t obsess over starting players, as you’ll soon be changing them. The important thing is to start with a solid foundation to complete the first challenges.
Importance of initial objectives
Objectives are the cornerstone of growth in Ultimate Team. The game offers several types that you should always keep in mind:
- Fundamentals Objectives : Short challenges and tutorials to learn basic concepts.
- Milestones : Achievements in your career that provide rewards upon completion.
- Seasonal : Daily and weekly objectives that give EXP and exclusive rewards.
You’ll also find specific objectives like «New Beginnings,» «Squad Fund: F-League,» «Towards Pro,» and «Moving Forward,» all designed to guide you through your first steps.
These challenges are designed to provide coins and packs from day one, allowing you to unlock rewards or sell items on the market. Always start with the «Fundamentals» sections , where you’ll find easy objectives that will help you build up an initial coin base.
Some objectives are crucial to unlocking important features, such as access to the Transfer Market, which you’ll earn by completing groups like «Advancing,» «Plunge In,» and «Adventure Out.»
First rewards and how to use them
In Ultimate Team, you play matches to earn rewards that help you acquire better players. Once you complete the initial objectives, it’s essential to manage your first rewards correctly:
- Card packs : You can get them by completing objectives, surpassing milestones, through seasonal rewards, or by playing different modes like Champions, Rivals, or Rush.
- Weekly Rewards : In Rivals and Squad Battles, you’ll earn packs and coins every week. Don’t limit yourself to these modes; also try Rush, which offers extra packs through easy objectives.
Early in the game, the entire market is in flux, and any player you acquire will be a good value. Therefore, always select transfer packs when you have the option , as that flexibility to sell is key to rapid growth.
The first season of FC 26 Ultimate Team is dedicated to the 1966 World Cup in England, featuring English footballers, Premier League items, and players from the English Women’s League. If you pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition, you received free access to the Premium Pass, an important advantage for maximizing rewards from the start.
Among the featured players you can get are Gallagher (level 35) and Rogers (level 40) in the free portion, while the Premium Pass includes Tomori (level 40) and Mainoo (level 35), ideal for strengthening your starting team.
In short, take advantage of every match from day one to accumulate SP and unlock all reward tiers before the season ends.
Formations and tactics used by pro players
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In the competitive world of FIFA 26 Ultimate Team, the difference between winning and losing often depends on your tactical choices. The formations and setups used by professional players are not random, but rather the result of countless hours of analysis and testing to find the most effective setups.
More effective training in 2026
The wide 4-2-3-1 formation has established itself as a favorite among professional players, having been used by world champions such as Manuel Bachoore and Levi de Weerd. This setup stands out for its defensive balance and ability to create fluid attacking plays down the flanks.
Another dominant formation is the 4-4-2 , considered one of the most accessible for both beginners and advanced players. Its popularity lies in its solidity in the central axis and the ability for the midfielders to constantly support the attack without compromising the defense.
For those looking to dominate midfield, the flat 4-5-1 (similar to the old 4-3-2-1) has emerged as a favorite among professionals such as Emre and Abu Makkah. This structure offers exceptional control of the midfield while maintaining a considerable attacking presence.
On the other hand, the 4-4-1-1 is gaining traction among professionals who prefer a centralized attack with a single, quality striker. This system leverages the power of a complete striker, effective both in the air and on the ground.
Balanced vs. Offensive Tactics
When setting up your custom tactics, you should choose between a balanced or purely offensive approach. Pros often recommend a balanced build style with a defensive focus at 50 , especially when you’re new to the game’s meta.
For the 4-2-3-1 formation, experts advise establishing specific roles:
- Goalkeeper: Sweeper goalkeeper with a balanced approach
- Center backs: defensive role with a defensive focus
- Full-backs: full-back role with a balanced approach (never a wing-back)
- Defensive midfielders: organizing pivot with a creative approach
- Ends: inner end for better positioning
- Attacking midfielder: organizer to control the midfield
- Forward: mobile forward with an offensive focus
If you prefer a 4-4-2 formation, the recommendation is to keep the defensive roles similar, but shift the midfielders to defensive positions to prevent them from getting too far forward, while always maintaining passing options towards the edge of the box.
Key defensive adjustments
Tweaking your defensive setup makes a huge difference in FIFA 26. First and foremost, turn on Advanced Defending to gain complete control of your defenders, allowing you to decide when to make a normal tackle or use your body to block opponents.
For a solid defense, set the defensive line height to 61 , the minimum height for defenders to make aggressive tackles without being overly exposed. Also, set the automatic switch to «closest to the ball» to facilitate pressing.
It’s essential to assign defensive/versatile instructions to the full-backs so they stay in position. Also, before activating the second-man press, check who will be doing this so as not to disrupt the defensive line.
Finally, disable unnecessary visual elements like stadium shadows, shot zoom, and controller vibration to improve your focus and response time. These small tweaks, used by professional players, can make a significant difference in your defensive performance.
How to build a competitive team without spending a lot
Image: Team Gullit
Building a winning team in FIFA 26 Ultimate Team doesn’t necessarily require a fortune in coins. With strategy and market knowledge, you can build competitive squads that allow you to win matches without investing large amounts of FC Points or coins.
Players with the best quality-price ratio
The players with the best value for money are those whose performance exceeds their average rating. These «cheap players» will give you an advantage over rivals who spend much more.
In defense, Mario Gila and Davinson Sánchez combine speed with defensive solidity at a very affordable price. Also notable are Tomori and Ibáñez , who offer great physicality and anticipation, ideal for stopping speedy forwards without spending a fortune.
For the full-backs, Diogo Dalot , Aina , and Nuno Tavares maintain an excellent balance between defense and attack. Udogie and Robinson provide pace on the wing, while Gvardiol , although close to 10,000 coins, represents a sound investment.
In midfield, Zakaria and Ederson excel as well-rounded, physical midfielders. Goretzka (950 coins) and Thuram offer a balance of physicality and attacking power. For more attacking roles, Matheus Cunha , Eze , and Szoboszlai (2,900 coins) are excellent creative options.
In attack, Diaby and Chiesa are lightning-fast wingers who can outrun defenses. As forwards, Kolo Muani , Kean (3,000 coins), and Tel (3,000 coins) combine speed and finishing at very affordable prices.
Furthermore, players like Iago Aspas (750 coins), Kovačić (750 coins) and Sadio Mané (750 coins) represent exceptional value for 83 averages.
Recommended league hybrids
Hybrid teams combine players from different leagues and nationalities, taking advantage of the best of each competition to maximize performance with limited budgets.
A notable example is the Premier League/Serie A hybrid for approximately 100,000 coins. This squad takes advantage of the fact that «the Italian league is a goldmine of very good players at an affordable price every year,» complementing it with three Premier League «patches» in key positions.
The recommended training for this hybrid is:
- BY: Carnesecchi
- DEF: Di Lorenzo , Tomori , Mario Gila , Udogie
- MED: Thuram , McTominay
- DEL: Lookman (MCO), Chiesa (ED), Tel (DC), Zaccagni (EI)
Also effective is the Spanish League and Bundesliga hybrid for approximately 125,000 coins , which combines «fast, powerful defensive players and effective attackers.»
For smaller budgets, there are competitive rosters starting at 10,000, 25,000, and 50,000 coins that will allow you to win matches without a large investment.
Mistakes when buying at the market
A common mistake among beginners is rushing into buying gold players with an average of 82 or lower and good physical stats in the early days. These players are often overvalued at the start and quickly drop in value because they «appear so frequently in packs.»
Another common mistake is keeping all the cards you initially acquire. It’s best to sell those you can get rid of as soon as you have access to the market, keeping only the notable or untradeable ones.
To maximize your investments:
- Never spend all your money; always keep a reserve fund.
- For your first investments, limit your spending to 150-300 coins per card and then sell them for about a 50% profit.
- Focus on earning your first 50,000 coins, at which point you can trade with more desirable players.
It’s essential not to fall into the temptation of buying expensive players early on. Take advantage of the items you get in your starter packs or look for affordable alternatives while the market stabilizes, avoiding the loss of coins you’ll need for truly important signings.
Trading strategies to earn coins like an expert
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Trading is the beating heart of Ultimate Team and the only guaranteed way to build top teams without spending real money. Mastering the transfer market is what separates players stuck with mediocre rosters from those who dominate Rivals and Champions from the get-go.
Day trading methods
Trading is based on a simple but powerful rule: buy low and sell high . Early in the game, many players place cards on the market without checking their true value, creating opportunities for smart purchases. To maximize profits:
- Never spend your entire budget on a single investment; always keep a cushion of change to take advantage of new opportunities.
- For your first investments, limit your spending to 150-300 coins per card and then sell them for about a 50% profit.
- Focus on reaching your first 50,000 coins, a critical point from which you can access more lucrative investments.
Take advantage of time patterns : at night and early in the morning, prices tend to rise more cheaply, while midday and late afternoon, prices rise due to more buyers. This knowledge allows you to anticipate the market without being glued to your screen all day.
When to sell and when to hold cards
Timing is crucial in trading. Beginners often make mistakes by buying late or selling prematurely. Consider these factors:
- The most in-demand players are always the same: fast players, forwards with good finishing, balanced midfielders, and speedy defenders.
- Save special cards that meet these characteristics until they stop being issued in booster packs and their availability decreases, which is the ideal time to sell them.
- Avoid opening envelopes of coins «just to try your luck» or selling them at a loss out of impatience, decisions that seem small but add up against you.
The biggest mistake for beginners is running out of cash due to an early signing that excites you for a few matches but prevents you from taking advantage of better opportunities that appear daily. Always keep cash available to invest when the market offers bargains.
How to use consumables to make a profit
Consumables are perfect tools for beginners in the world of trading for several reasons:
- They can be stored without limit, allowing you to accumulate large amounts.
- They have relatively stable and predictable prices.
- There is always demand, especially for popular chemistry styles like Hunter or Shadow.
At the beginning, focus on purchasing consumables for 150-300 coins and reselling them at a 50% profit. As your capital grows, you can diversify into higher-value players.
For the more organized, there are private trading channels via Telegram where you receive daily shopping lists with recommended prices, optimal sales times, and emerging opportunities. This structured information saves you time and errors, transforming complex decisions into clear guidelines you can easily follow.
The key to success is doing less but doing it better: prioritizing what really makes money and postponing what doesn’t. With patience and method, you’ll see your profit grow game after game.
Game modes that offer better rewards
Image: Radio Times
Maximizing your rewards in FIFA 26 Ultimate Team requires a thorough understanding of the game’s different game modes. Each mode has its own reward system, and understanding their specifics will help you progress more quickly.
Rivals and Champions: How to qualify
Division Rivals has received a complete overhaul in FC 26. Rewards now include challenges that randomly trigger during your matches, awarding you with coins, packs, Champion Points, or even phase skips that accelerate your progression. These challenges can be completed even if you lose the match, always providing an incentive to keep playing.
An important new feature is the elimination of the playoffs for Champions League access. You now qualify directly by reaching a specific division in Rivals and accumulating enough ranking points. For players who don’t reach the higher divisions, «Challengers» has been created, a new level of weekend competition with its own format and prize pool.
Division Rivals weekly rewards can be claimed every Thursday starting at 9:00 CEST, while Champions rewards are earned immediately upon completing matches.
Draft and Moments: When it’s worth it
Draft mode offers a four-match tournament with rewards that vary based on your wins. The online version offers more lucrative prizes than the offline version. Although it requires an initial investment of coins or points, even a single win can make your participation profitable.
Rewards appear in the Ultimate Team store at the end of your campaign and never expire, allowing you to claim them whenever it suits you best.
Live events and exclusive rewards
Live Events are limited-time, themed competitions that challenge you to build teams according to specific rules. Accessible from the new Events Center, they offer a simplified interface for viewing requirements and rewards at a glance.
Additionally, FIFA 26 is introducing viewing rewards during official broadcasts. For example, on September 16, there was an event where watching the stream for 15 minutes awarded a Gold Player Pack, while 60 minutes awarded a unique Gold Pack. To receive these rewards, you must link your EA accounts to Twitch or YouTube and claim the objectives within Ultimate Team before they expire.
Advanced Tips from Pro Players
Image: Red Bull
To dominate FIFA 26, it’s not enough to have good players. Pros know that true success lies in aspects that many overlook.
How to read the meta and adapt
Mastering the game isn’t everything in FIFA 26. Mindset is equally crucial. When you’re losing and nothing seems to work, stay calm and focused. A common mistake is getting frustrated in adverse situations, which inevitably leads to defeat.
Professional players remain mentally strong throughout the entire match. If you start to get upset about game situations, you immediately enter a negative spiral that undermines your performance. Only those who maintain mental focus throughout the entire 90 minutes have what it takes to become champions.
Custom roles and AI behavior
To maximize your players’ performance, set up specific roles based on their position:
- Goalkeeper: goalkeeper role plus with defensive focus
- Defenders: full-back role with a defensive focus to avoid being caught on the counterattack
- Midfielders: Organising pivot with a creative approach to filtering precise passes
- Forward: Mobile forward with an offensive focus for greater mobility
It’s essential to adapt these roles to the prevailing style of play. While playing with two forwards makes attacking easier, it complicates defense in this version of the game.
How to train and improve your game
To constantly evolve, study the best. Visit YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok channels of pros like Umut Gültekin and Donovan Hunt of RBLZ Gaming. Observe defensive and offensive behaviors, moves, standard variations, and definitions to incorporate into your game.
Also, be honest with yourself about your abilities. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t master all the mechanics right away. Constant progress is more valuable than trying to apply advanced techniques prematurely.
How to maintain your progress throughout the season
Maintaining momentum throughout the long FIFA 26 season is just as important as starting strong. A structured plan ensures your team continues to improve even when others stagnate.
Coin and FC Points Management
FC Points are the premium currency in FIFA 26, purchasable only with real money. You can purchase them directly from the in-game store or through authorized retailers, with prices ranging from €0.99 for 100 Points to €149.99 for 18,500 Points . If you’re an EA Play member, enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases.
If you had FC Points in FIFA 25, you can transfer them to FIFA 26. This transfer is only possible the first time you log in, and only within the same console family. It’s important to remember that this operation is not reversible.
For those who prefer not to spend real money, smart money management is essential. Set a rule: never spend your entire budget; always keep a reserve fund for unexpected opportunities.
Weekly Goal Planning
Weekly objectives are essential to maintaining consistent progress. Tasks such as selling 10 players, purchasing 10 players, or playing matches each provide 150 PT. Completing them all gives you an additional 250 PT bonus.
Additionally, Club, Player Career, and Manager Career objectives can earn up to 2,000, 1,650, and 1,500 SP respectively each week. These points are crucial for progressing through the Season Pass.
Prepare for special events
Special promotions offer unique opportunities to improve your gear. During holidays like Christmas or themed events, EA launches offers that can maximize the value of your coins.
The Premium Pass remains active throughout the season, but the 10,000 SP boost only applies to the current season. Therefore, plan your purchases by saving FC Points or Coins for future Premium Passes if you feel the rewards are worth the investment.
Conclusion
FIFA 26 Ultimate Team is arguably EA Sports FC’s most comprehensive and challenging game mode. Throughout this tour, we’ve explored everything from platform differences to pro player strategies, giving you all the tools you need to succeed.
Tactical formations like the wide 4-2-3-1 or the 4-4-2 are known for their balance and adaptability, while specific defensive adjustments will make the difference between victory and defeat. Remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune to build a competitive team; players like Tomori, Thuram, and Tel offer exceptional performance without breaking the bank.
Trading emerges as the cornerstone of long-term success. Patience and strategy in buying low and selling high will allow you to accumulate enough coins to constantly improve your roster. Different game modes, such as Rivals, Champions, and Draft, also offer varied rewards that you should take advantage of based on your skills and available time.
Mindset is equally crucial. The best players stay calm even in adverse situations, adapting to the game’s meta and constantly improving through observation and practice. If you enjoyed this guide, remember to share it with your friends on social media.
Finally, good planning will keep you competitive throughout the season. Manage your coins wisely, complete weekly objectives, and prepare for special events. FIFA 26 Ultimate Team is a marathon, not a sprint, and those who follow these tips will undoubtedly reach the highest divisions and the best teams without having to spend real money.
In summary
Discover the essential secrets pro players use to master FIFA 26 Ultimate Team from day one to becoming champions.
• Build competitive teams for only 125,000 coins using players like Tomori, Thuram, and Tel who offer exceptional performance without emptying your budget
• Master professional formations such as 4-2-3-1 wide and 4-4-2 with specific defensive adjustments (line in 61) to balance attack and defensive solidity
• Apply smart trading strategies: buy cheap at night/morning and sell high at noon, always keeping a reserve fund for opportunities
• Maximize rewards by completing weekly objectives and taking advantage of the revamped Rivals , which now includes random challenges and Champions playoff elimination.
• Maintain a professional mindset throughout the 90 minutes – frustration leads to defeat; only those who maintain mental focus reach the highest divisions.
Success in Ultimate Team isn’t about money spent, but rather strategy, patience, and meta knowledge. With these pro tips, any player can build winning teams and compete at the highest level.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best formation for FIFA 26 Ultimate Team? The wide 4-2-3-1 formation is one of the most effective, used by world champions. It offers good defensive balance and facilitates the creation of fluid offensive plays down the flanks.
Q2. How can I earn coins quickly in Ultimate Team? The most effective method is trading: buy cheap players at night or early in the morning, and sell them for more at midday when there are more buyers. Always keep a reserve fund to take advantage of opportunities.
Q3. Which players offer the best value for money early in the game? Players like Tomori, Thuram, and Tel offer exceptional performance for under 10,000 coins. Look for fast, sharp, and physically capable players who will excel beyond their average rating.
Q4. How do I qualify for the Champions League in FIFA 26? There are no longer playoffs. You now qualify directly by reaching a specific division in Rivals and accumulating enough ranking points. If you don’t make it to the higher divisions, you can participate in Challengers, a new level of weekend competition.
Q5. What are the best modes for earning rewards in Ultimate Team? Division Rivals now offers random challenges during matches with immediate rewards. Champions is still very profitable if you qualify. For beginners, live events and Draft mode can provide good rewards with lower difficulty.