EA FC 26 Team of the Year (TOTY): Official Teams, SBCs, Pack Timing, Market Tips and How to Prepare
By FutCoinSpot Team
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Important disclaimer: Buying or selling FC coins through third party sites is against EA’s rules and can lead to bans, transfer market locks, coin wipes, or other penalties. This article is educational and focuses on helping you understand TOTY and plan your club responsibly. If you decide to buy coins or use boosting services anyway, you are accepting a real risk. We aim to be transparent about that risk and to operate in the safest way we can, but no one can guarantee what EA will do in the future.
Team of the Year (TOTY) is the biggest and most famous promo of the Ultimate Team year. It is the moment the strongest, most expensive, most desirable cards hit packs, and the entire market shifts fast.
TOTY launches tomorrow (January 16). The squads are now locked in, key SBCs are lined up, and this is the exact window where smart planning beats panic.
In this guide, we answer the questions players ask every single year:
- When does TOTY start in EA FC 26 and what should I do today?
- Who is in the official Men’s and Women’s TOTY squads?
- Which SBCs, objectives, and Icon content are part of TOTY?
- When should you open packs and when should you buy from the market?
- What happens to prices, fodder, and the “TOTY crash”?
- How do you prepare if you want to buy TOTY players instead of relying on pack luck?
Need coins ready for TOTY? If you decide to take the risk of buying coins, you can view our offers here: https://www.futcoinspot.com/buy-coins.
Want more packs and rewards during TOTY? Our Weekend League boost service is here: https://www.futcoinspot.com/boost-wl.
Trust signals: You can also check our public review history on Trustpilot and ask questions directly to staff in our Discord: https://discord.gg/Kvmu2sPSpd.
1. What is TOTY in EA FC 26?
Team of the Year is the yearly Ultimate Team promo that celebrates the best real world footballers from the previous calendar year. EA releases massively upgraded special cards that usually remain elite for months.
In modern EA FC cycles, TOTY typically includes:
- Men’s TOTY and Women’s TOTY squads
- Staggered pack windows where positions enter packs in waves
- TOTY Icons content (often in teams)
- Daily grind content like upgrades, objectives, and high end SBCs
Why TOTY matters so much:
- Endgame power. Many TOTY items compete with the best cards for a long time.
- Pack hype peaks. Players save packs for weeks and open everything at once.
- Market moves hard. Prices swing fast, especially around the full team window and lightning rounds.
Related reading: If TOTY hype is pushing you toward coins, read our safety guide first: Buying FC Coins Safely (Ultimate Guide) .
2. When does TOTY start in EA FC 26?
TOTY launches on January 16. If you are reading this on January 15, you are in the final prep day where good decisions matter most.
What to do today (January 15)
- Decide your TOTY goal: packs, SBC grind, or buying from the market.
- Get liquid: if you plan to buy players, being coin-heavy is usually better than holding panic-sellable cards.
- Organize fodder: keep your 84 to 89 range ready for upgrades and early SBCs.
- Do not rush pack openings: most players get better upside when more of the squad is in packs.
Planning your budget? If you decide to buy coins, start here: https://www.futcoinspot.com/buy-coins.
3. Official EA FC 26 TOTY squads (Men and Women)
These are the official TOTY squads for EA FC 26. If you are preparing coins, packs, or SBC fodder, this is the core target list the market will revolve around.
3.1 Men’s Team of the Year (TOTY)
- ST: Erling Haaland (96)
- ST: Ousmane Dembélé (97)
- ST: Kylian Mbappé (96)
- CDM: Declan Rice (94)
- CM: Pedri (95)
- CM: Vitinha (95)
- LB: Nuno Mendes (97)
- CB: Virgil van Dijk (95)
- CB: William Saliba (94)
- RB: Jules Koundé (94)
- GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma (95)
3.2 Women’s Team of the Year (TOTY)
- LW: Claudia Pina (95)
- ST: Ewa Pajor (96)
- ST: Alessia Russo (95)
- CAM: Mariona (95)
- CM: Aitana Bonmatí (97)
- CM: Alexia Putellas (96)
- LB: Bacha (93)
- CB: Bright (95)
- CB: Williamson (94)
- RB: Bronze (94)
- GK: Endler (94)
Practical takeaway: TOTY prices are usually highest when hype is highest, and most buyers get better deals when pack supply is highest. We explain timing in the pack section below.
4. TOTY Icons Team 1
TOTY also includes Icon content. Team 1 includes the following TOTY Icons:
- ST: Ibrahimović (93)
- CM: Seger (92)
- RW: Jairzinho (91)
- RB: Thuram (91)
- ST: Rooney (90)
These cards matter for two reasons: they pull coins out of the market, and they increase pack opening pressure, which increases supply for everything else.
5. Confirmed TOTY content: SBCs, objectives, upgrades
TOTY is not just “cards in packs.” The promo is a full content cycle with SBCs, objectives, and grind paths that decide how fast you can generate packs and fodder.
5.1 Featured SBCs and objective style cards during TOTY
Here are key cards confirmed to be part of the TOTY content wave:
- Flashback Frimpong (90 RB)
- Flashback Sophia Wilson (92 ST)
- TOTY Icon SBC Marcelo (92 LB)
- TOTY Honourable Mention SBC Gabriel (90 CB)
- TOTY Honourable Mention SBC McTominay (90 CM)
- TOTY Honourable Mention SBC Olise (90 RM)
- Karchaoui (89 LB) as an upcoming TOTY themed SBC or objective card
What this means for fodder: TOTY always creates SBC demand. Even when the market “crashes,” high rated fodder can behave differently because people need it to complete these cards.
5.2 Icon Swaps and reward packs
Icon Swaps content is part of the TOTY season and it matters because it injects additional packs and picks into the community. More rewards means more supply. More supply means better buying opportunities if you have coins ready.
Action step: If you are grinding TOTY, do not ignore objectives. Objectives and swaps style rewards are often the cleanest way to generate packs without spending coins.
Want to understand coin delivery methods before TOTY spending? Read: How EA FC Coin Transfers Work (Comfort Trade vs Player Auction vs Snipe Method) .
6. TOTY pack timing: when to open packs
The biggest mistake during TOTY is opening everything the minute the promo goes live, then regretting it when more of the squad is available in packs later.
TOTY typically rolls out in waves by position, then moves to a “full team in packs” window. The smartest general rule is simple:
- If your goal is to pack any TOTY card: you usually want to open your best saved packs when the full TOTY squad is in packs.
- If your goal is fodder for SBCs: open smaller packs earlier and keep premium packs for the best window.
6.1 Practical pack plan
- Save Ultimate packs, big Rare Players packs, and elite rewards for the strongest pack window.
- Use low value packs for daily SBC fodder and upgrades.
- Do not empty your club on upgrades without a clear target SBC.
Market reality: TOTY items are extremely rare. Most players do not pack one, even with huge saves. Many buyers plan to purchase the TOTY cards they want from the market instead of relying on luck.
7. What TOTY does to the market (and why people call it a crash)
TOTY is the most volatile market window of the year. It is not one crash. It is a sequence of waves.
7.1 The pre TOTY sell-off (already happening)
Before TOTY, players want coins. So they sell meta cards, promo cards, and investments to get liquid. That creates downward pressure before TOTY even starts.
7.2 The pack supply shock
When TOTY goes live, pack openings explode. More packs means more supply of gold rares and fodder, and more undercutting across the market.
7.3 The “best buying windows”
In most years, the strongest buying opportunities happen when pack supply is highest, which is usually when more of the TOTY squad is available and the store is pumping packs.
7.4 Fodder can move differently
Even while player prices fall, fodder can spike if SBC requirements are heavy. TOTY is a weird market where meta cards can drop while high rated SBC cards rise.
Takeaway: If you want TOTY players, plan for timing and supply, not hype.
8. How to prepare for TOTY: packs, fodder, coins and timing
If you want to enjoy TOTY instead of stressing, you need a plan. Here are the preparations that actually matter.
8.1 Decide your TOTY goal
- Goal A: Pack a TOTY (high hype, low odds)
- Goal B: Buy a TOTY player you want (requires coins and timing)
- Goal C: Complete SBCs (fodder management matters)
- Goal D: Upgrade your team without TOTY (often best value)
8.2 Fodder strategy (simple and effective)
- Keep a base stack of 84 to 89 cards for upgrades and SBCs.
- Do not overinvest blindly. Watch SBC requirements and demand.
- Use upgrades to convert low value golds into higher rated fodder.
8.3 Coin strategy (the part most players ignore)
- Liquidate non-essential cards if you plan to buy TOTY players.
- Set a budget for SBCs and market buys so you do not burn everything day one.
- Keep a reserve so you can react to dips.
- Buy with patience during heavy supply windows, not peak hype moments.
Need coins ready for TOTY? If you decide to buy coins, view our coin packages here: https://www.futcoinspot.com/buy-coins.
Before you buy: Please read our safety guide so you understand the risk and the methods: Buying FC Coins Safely (Ultimate Guide) .
9. Weekend League during TOTY: why rewards matter
During TOTY, rewards are more valuable than usual because even standard packs can spike in value when top tier items are in packs and SBC demand stays high.
What to focus on during TOTY weekends
- Weekend League: still the biggest reward injection for competitive players.
- Rivals: consistent weekly packs and picks.
- Objectives: underrated for extra packs and upgrade fodder.
If you do not have time to grind matches during TOTY weekends, that is where our service can help:
Weekend League boost: View our WL boost options here: https://www.futcoinspot.com/boost-wl.
Honest note: Account services can also be against EA rules. Only use services you truly trust, with clear procedures and a proven track record.
10. Coins during TOTY: the honest truth + safer options
Let us be honest: TOTY is the moment many players look at top cards and realize they will not reach them through casual play alone.
That is why TOTY is also the season of scams, fake middlemen, random DMs, and account theft stories. If you do anything in this window, do it intelligently.
10.1 If you want to stay inside EA’s rules
- Grind rewards and trade legitimately.
- Use official FC Points if you choose to spend.
10.2 If you decide to buy coins anyway
We cannot pretend this is allowed. It is against EA rules. But if you are going to do it anyway, at minimum:
- Choose a seller with a long public reputation, not a random DM.
- Understand transfer methods and why some are riskier than others.
- Prioritize natural-looking delivery patterns over reckless speed.
Start here: Buying FC Coins Safely (Ultimate Guide)
Delivery methods explained: How EA FC Coin Transfers Work (Comfort Trade vs Player Auction vs Snipe Method)
Ready to buy coins for TOTY? View our current offers here: https://www.futcoinspot.com/buy-coins
11. Avoiding scams during TOTY: trust signals that matter
TOTY is prime scam season because emotions are high and players want instant coins. The only smart approach is to demand real trust signals.
Trust signals you should look for
- Independent reviews: not screenshots, but a public profile on a platform like Trustpilot.
- Reachable support: real humans, not disappearing tickets.
- Clear processes: you know what happens, what you need to do, and what the risks are.
- Honesty about EA rules: any seller claiming “100% safe forever” is lying.
FutCoinSpot trust signals
- Trustpilot: Read our reviews here
- Discord support: Ask questions before buying: https://discord.gg/Kvmu2sPSpd
Here are a few examples of the type of feedback customers leave publicly about FutCoinSpot:
"Never had a bad experience with FCS, always delivered quickly and fast support times! Been a loyal customer since 2023."
Trustpilot review
"From checkout to delivery, FutCoinspot kept me updated at every step, which made the whole process feel safe and reliable."
Trustpilot review
"Their methods are different and a bit slower but that’s the way to get it done without getting banned."
Trustpilot review
Important honesty note: A strong track record is not a guarantee. EA can change detection and enforcement at any time. What trust signals do tell you is whether a site has delivered at scale without constant public complaints of bans or stolen accounts.
12. EA FC 26 TOTY FAQ
When does TOTY start in EA FC 26?
TOTY launches on January 16, 2026.
Are there Men’s and Women’s TOTY squads?
Yes. EA FC 26 includes both Men’s and Women’s TOTY squads.
Are TOTY cards in packs all at once?
Usually no. TOTY cards typically enter packs in waves by position, then become available together during a full squad window.
When is the best time to open saved packs?
Most players wait until the full TOTY squad is in packs, because that maximizes the number of TOTY items you could hit from your saved packs.
Can you realistically pack a TOTY?
It is possible, but it is hard. TOTY items are usually among the rarest cards in packs. Many players do not pack one even after saving a lot.
If I cannot pack TOTY, what is the smarter play?
Many players aim to buy TOTY players from the market during heavy supply windows, or build strong alternatives via SBCs and Honourable Mention style cards.
How can I get more packs during TOTY?
Grind Weekend League, Rivals, Squad Battles, and objectives. If you do not have time to grind, you can view our Weekend League boost service here: https://www.futcoinspot.com/boost-wl.
Is buying coins allowed during TOTY?
No. It is against EA’s rules at any time of the year, including TOTY. If you do it anyway, you accept risk. If you decide to buy, read our safety guide first: Buying FC Coins Safely.
Where can I buy coins if I decide to take the risk?
You can view our coin packages here: https://www.futcoinspot.com/buy-coins. For trust signals, you can also review our public Trustpilot profile: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/futcoinspot.com.
How do I avoid getting scammed during TOTY?
Do not buy from random DMs. Only use sellers with a strong public reputation, independent reviews, and real support channels. If you have questions about how our delivery works, join our Discord and ask the staff directly: https://discord.gg/Kvmu2sPSpd.
Final TOTY checklist (save this)
- Decide your goal: pack grind, SBC grind, or market buy.
- Save your best packs for the strongest pack window.
- Keep coins liquid if you plan to buy players.
- Expect volatility: prices swing, do not panic.
- Use trusted services only, and remember EA rules still apply.
Want to prepare your coin stack for TOTY? Buy FC coins at FutCoinSpot
Want more TOTY rewards without grinding every match? View Weekend League boost options
Still unsure? Read our safety guide first: Buying FC Coins Safely (Ultimate Guide)