The launch of EA FC 26 Ultimate Team has begun with an innovative promotion called Cornerstones, spotlighting star players who made major summer transfers and are expected to become the backbone of their new clubs. These dynamic items can receive several upgrades early in the season, making them highly desirable for starter squads. For players looking to build competitive teams quickly, securing a Cornerstones card alongside sufficient FC 26 Coins can be a game-changing strategy.
The Cornerstones promo introduces live cards that improve based on both individual and team performances in domestic league matches. Unlike traditional Ones to Watch cards, Cornerstones follow a structured upgrade path rewarding consistent early-season impact. Each card can receive up to four enhancements, meaning an 86-rated card could rise to 90 OVR by November.
Official Upgrade Path- +1 IF Upgrade: Earned if the player's club wins at least 3 of their first 8 domestic league matches after the promo begins.
- +1 IF Upgrade: Awarded when the player makes 5 starting appearances in domestic league matches.
- +1 IF Upgrade: Granted for 3 goal/assist contributions (attackers/midfielders) or 2 clean sheets (defenders/goalkeepers) within the first 8 matches.
- New PlayStyle+ Trait: Achieved if the player's club remains unbeaten in 4 consecutive domestic league matches.
These upgrades are independent, allowing partial progress toward the maximum potential. The PlayStyle+ addition is particularly valuable, as it can significantly alter a player's in-game performance.
EA FC 26 Cornerstones Team 1| Player | Position | New Club | League | Base Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Musiala | CAM | Manchester City | Premier League | 89 OVR |
| Florian Wirtz | CM | Real Madrid | LaLiga | 88 OVR |
| Victor Osimhen | ST | Paris Saint-Germain | Ligue 1 | 88 OVR |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | RB | FC Barcelona | LaLiga | 87 OVR |
| Leny Yoro | CB | Manchester United | Premier League | 86 OVR |
| Jeremie Frimpong | RWB | Arsenal | Premier League | 86 OVR |
| Nico Williams | LW | Chelsea | Premier League | 85 OVR |
| Teun Koopmeiners | CM | Liverpool | Premier League | 85 OVR |
| Riccardo Calafiori | CB | Juventus | Serie A | 84 OVR |
| Michael Olise | RW | Bayern Munich | Bundesliga | 84 OVR |
Jamal Musiala (CAM, Manchester City) is the promo's standout. With 94 Dribbling, 88 Pace, and 87 Passing, plus the Technical PlayStyle+, he is extremely difficult to dispossess. Manchester City's strong fixture list makes early upgrades likely, and his guaranteed starting role could see him reach 92 OVR with an additional PlayStyle+ before winter.
Leny Yoro (CB, Manchester United) offers an elite defensive option with 87 Defending and 85 Pace. His Anticipate and Block PlayStyles make him a formidable presence. United's defensive form will determine his clean sheet and unbeaten streak upgrades, potentially elevating him to one of the top centre-backs in the game.
Additional Cornerstones Content- SBC: Benjamin Šeško (ST, AC Milan) – 85-rated target man combining height, strength, and pace. Requires an 84-rated and an 85-rated squad. Milan's strong start increases his upgrade potential.
- Objectives: Lutsharel Geertruida (RB, Liverpool) – 84-rated versatile defender available for free via objectives. Can play RB, CB, and CDM, providing strong squad-building flexibility. Liverpool's defensive solidity makes his upgrade path promising.
For players aiming to maximise early-game success, completing objectives for Geertruida and investing in SBC options like Šeško while targeting meta Cornerstones in packs is a balanced approach. Combining these strategies with adequate fut 26 coins ensures the ability to adapt to upgrades and maintain a competitive edge in Ultimate Team.