EA Sports FC 26 Unleashes Ultimate Team's Most Dominant Squad Ever at Launch

EA Sports FC 26 arrives with early access beginning Friday, September 19 for those who purchased the Ultimate Edition.

During the preparation phase for each Ultimate Team season, enthusiasts work diligently to develop theories about optimal starting lineups—determining which athletes excel in specific roles, identifying which PlayStyles complement particular functions, and exploring additional strategic elements.

For players who invest financially in the game through in-app purchases, the focus centers on assembling a premium roster at launch. This doesn't automatically translate to the ultimate team possible, but rather one featuring the top-rated athletes available for each position.

Let's examine the top-rated lineups available at FC 26 Ultimate Team's launch, including an exclusively gold card team and alternatives incorporating Icons—while maximizing chemistry wherever feasible.

It's important to note that constructing any of these teams will prove exceptionally challenging during the initial release period.

The Top-Rated EA Sports FC 26 Lineup at Launch: Exclusively Gold Cards

Several alternatives exist for certain roles, such as Alisson or Thibaut Courtois in goal since both athletes carry 89 ratings, but this formation accommodates the top-rated players most effectively. Certainly, players might explore unconventional approaches by positioning certain athletes outside their natural roles given Irene Paredes holds an 88 overall rating, though this would significantly impact team chemistry.

Additionally, most players avoid three center-back formations. However, for maximum rating purposes, utilizing three center-backs elevates the squad's overall rating since Sakina Karchaoui and Achraf Hakimi rank among the top wing-backs at 87 and 89 ratings respectively.

Several additional modifications exist to incorporate other players for enhanced chemistry. Overall, the gold lineup reaches 90 rating without considering substitutes.

How does the top-rated team transform when Icons enter the equation?

The Top-Rated EA Sports FC 26 Lineup at Launch: Icons Featured

Minor improvements across several positions, but incorporating Icons fundamentally alters how players can achieve the top-rated lineup in FC 26. Newly added Icon Oliver Kahn enters as the premier goalkeeper with a 91 rating while Andres Iniesta stands as the top midfielder at 92.

Zlatan Ibrahimović and Ronaldo replace Haaland and Dembélé in the formation. A dual striker setup becomes essential to include both 92-rated cards in one squad.

Players can choose between León, Giorgio Chiellini, or Steffi Jones for two of the three center-back spots since they achieve full chemistry without affecting other squad members. Virgil van Dijk remains the sole defender, whether central or wide, rated 90 or above. Following the Liverpool defender, all others carry 89 ratings or lower.

Nevertheless, maintaining this formation enables players to eliminate the requirement for an additional 89-rated defender. Should players opt for a 4-4-2 formation—as demonstrated in the alternative below—three 89-rated cards would appear in the starting eleven. Using the 3-1-4-2 eliminates one of those players while introducing the Barcelona Femení star partnership alongside Iniesta in midfield.

The lineup achieves a 91 rating without factoring in a complete bench. Based solely on players, the squad narrowly misses full chemistry, but players can employ a French manager to provide Mbappé that final chemistry point.

The alternative shown below also reaches a 91 rating.

The Top-Rated EA Sports FC 26 Lineup at Launch: 4-4-2 Alternative