FC 26 has finally landed with its first big content Friday, and the excitement is all about the icon packs that pre-order players have been waiting to open. For the first time in Ultimate Team history, icons are being handed out at the very start of the game cycle. That alone is enough to shake up squads, the transfer market, and how players approach trading.
FC 26 Icon Packs and Early Impact
The icon packs are loaded with legendary names across positions. Strikers, CAMs, and center mids dominate the lineup, which means a lot of market activity around attacking and midfield roles. Everyone who pre-ordered by August 26 is essentially receiving a player worth around 100,000 coins or more. That’s massive, considering it sets an early baseline for value.
For squads, icons are plug-and-play with universal chemistry. Even the weakest pulls are usable at this stage, making them immediate upgrades. The bigger question is how much the market adjusts when top icons like R9 or Thierry Henry start appearing across Division Rivals. Strikers and midfielders in particular could take a hit as players drop mid-tier cards to slot in their new legends.
Market Trends After EA Play
The market has been surging since EA Play trials went live. Prices on mid-tier cards exploded overnight. Hugo Ekitiké jumped from 6K to over 37K, while Marcus Rashford, Amine Gouiri, and Alexandre Lacazette saw sharp rises as starter squads became more affordable. Frenkie de Jong moved from 130K to 190K in under an hour, showing just how volatile things are.
Supply drops from Marquee Matchups did cool prices briefly. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, for example, dipped from 180K down to 140K before bouncing back toward 170K. The market’s resilience suggests there’s still upward momentum as more players log on, complete objectives, and accumulate coins.
Trading Advice Around FC 26 Icon Packs
Low-tier players like David Neres have shown wild swings, moving from 1,800 to 9K depending on time of day. These cards are great for flipping but won’t hold long-term value. Attackers tend to get upgraded quickly, so cards like Hugo Ekitiké and Anthony Gordon may be worth selling now while hype is high.
Best Strategies to Start FC26 Ultimate Team
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For traders with larger budgets, chemistry style trading is already proving profitable. Picking up cards with shadows or hunters can create margins even in early-game chaos. Meanwhile, higher-tier players such as Antonio Rüdiger or Cole Palmer offer safe flips, as they have room to rise with increased demand over the weekend.
SBC Leaks and Content Expectations
Beyond icon packs, leaked SBCs add another layer of intrigue. A Reece James World Tour SBC is expected, boasting balanced stats for a right back. Linked cards like Lauren James or even Chelsea teammates could see price boosts if this release lands. Flashbacks and showdowns are also rumored, which means traders should watch for shifts around Premier League meta picks.
Icons dropping at 6 PM UK time will be the centerpiece, but the surrounding content matters just as much. The more packs and SBCs EA pushes, the more supply could impact prices. Still, with no heavy store packs yet, the market feels healthier and more stable than in previous years.
