The buzz is real. EA Sports FC 26 is here, and for millions of us, that means one thing: the return of Ultimate Team. The menus are fresh, the cards are shiny, and everyone is starting from scratch. That first week is a magical, chaotic, and crucial time.
Getting ahead early isn’t just about luck; it’s about strategy. A strong start sets you up for the entire cycle, giving you the coin balance and squad depth to compete in Division Rivals and Weekend League from the jump. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the actionable steps to build your club the right way.
Phase 1: The Foundation (Your First 24 Hours)
Before you even think about the transfer market, you need capital. Your first day is all about generating free coins and players.
Download the Companion App: Right now. Do it on your phone. You can access the Web App and Companion App before the full game launches. This gives you a massive head start. Complete the starter objectives, list any players you get, and start building your coin balance days before everyone else.
Grind Foundation Objectives: EA always releases a set of simple “Foundation” objectives at launch. These are designed to onboard new players and reward you with packs, coins, and players for completing basic tasks like playing a certain number of games, scoring goals, or qualifying for Division Rivals. Do every single one. The rewards are the bedrock of your starter squad.
DON’T Open Packs Instantly: This is the hardest rule to follow. That urge to rip open every pack is powerful. Resist it. The market is hyper-inflated at launch. A 82-rated Premier League player might sell for 10k coins on Day 1 and only 2k coins a week later. Your discipline here will define your early bank balance.
Phase 2: Mastering the Early Transfer Market
The transfer market is where your club is truly built. Early on, it’s a gold rush for those who know what to look for.
Sell EVERYTHING (At First): That common Bronze contract? List it. A rare silver player from the Austrian league? List it. Demand is at an all-time high and supply is low. List every non-essential item in your club for the going rate. This initial liquid coin injection is critical.
Identify Meta “Cheap Beasts”: Every year, a handful of low-rated gold players become community favorites because their in-game stats (pace, agility, shooting) far exceed their overall rating. In FC 25, players like Diani and Griezmann were early monsters. Research who these players are in FC 26 (YouTube and Reddit are great for this) and invest in them early for your squad before their prices rise.
Flip Consumables: This is the safest, most consistent way to make coins. Hunter and Shadow chemistry styles are always in massive demand and will sell for a premium. Buy them low when new packs are released (driving supply up) and sell them high during Weekend League preparation (when demand spikes).
Phase 3: Building Your First Competitive Squad
Your goal isn’t to have a full icon team in week one. It’s to build a solid, chemistry-filled squad that can compete and win games in Division Rivals.
Focus on Chemistry: A 100-chem team of 82-rated players will outperform a 50-chem team of 85-rated players every time. Build your starter team around one or two leagues or nations you pack good players from. Don’t try to hybridize too early.
Play the Game Modes: Rivals is your main source of weekly rewards. But don’t ignore Squad Battles. Playing against the AI on a decent difficulty is a stress-free way to earn coins and packs, especially if you’re still getting used to the new gameplay.
Be Smart with SBCs: Some Squad Building Challenges are incredible value at launch. Look for the ones that offer tradeable packs or unique player items that will be meta-relevant for weeks. Others are coin sinks. Use FUTBIN or similar sites to check the cost vs. reward before committing.
Follow these steps, stay disciplined with your coins, and you’ll build a foundation that pays dividends all season long. Remember, everyone starts from scratch at this time of year—so don’t get discouraged if your squad isn’t perfect right away.
The most important part? Have fun. Experiment with different players, try new tactics, and enjoy the fresh feeling of a new FC cycle.
We hope this guide helps you hit the ground running.