EA Sports has rolled out the first installment of a three-part SBC (Squad Building Challenge) in FC 26 featuring 91-rated TOTS Summer Tournament Nations players. The Player Pick variant lets users select their preferred reward from a pool of high-rated cards tied to international football competitions.
This SBC drop aligns with World Cup fever gripping the FC 26 community. The Summer Tournament Nations event celebrates international football, and these 91+ rated cards represent elite players from competing nations. Player Pick SBCs function as choice-based rewards, giving players agency over which player they want to add to their squad rather than receiving a randomized card.
The three-part structure suggests EA is spacing releases across multiple weeks to maintain engagement and prevent market saturation. First-wave SBCs typically offer the strongest value, as players haven't yet completed them en masse. Community members should act quickly if they have the fodder to complete this challenge, as later iterations often feature duplicate rewards or less desirable players.
TOTS (Team of the Season) cards in Ultimate Team represent the best-performing players from major leagues and tournaments. The 91-rating floor makes these cards immediately competitive for squad building, whether as starter players or endgame alternatives. With World Cup tournaments dominating the sports calendar, this event capitalizes on real-world momentum and player interest.
FC 26's live service model depends on these card releases to keep the game fresh and reward engaged players. SBCs require squad submission with specific chemistry and rating requirements, creating demand for mid-tier cards across the transfer market. This economic lever helps EA manage card valuations while offering premium content to active players.
The Player Pick format remains popular with the community because it reduces the sting of unlucky pack pulls. Getting to choose your 91+ card feels significantly better than receiving a predetermined player, even if the overall reward value remains mathematically similar.