As we inch closer to the full release of EA FC 26, there is a lot of interest around the new playstyles, the soundtrack, and, of course, the highest-rated players. Much of your success in FC comes down to choosing the right tactics, teams, and, of course, players. This means you also need the right midfielders, as their job is to bridge the gap between defense and offense.
These workhorses of the pitch are responsible for winning the ball back, distributing possessions, and creating scoring opportunities. While official ratings are subject to change and EA Sports will have the final say, we’ve compiled a list of the best midfielders in FC 26, based on confirmed ratings so far.
Rodri
- Rating: 90
- Pace: 65
- Shooting: 80
- Passing: 80
- Dribbling: 84
- Defending: 86
- Physicality:85
- Position: CDM (Alt Position: CM)
Rodri’s influence on the pitch for Manchester City is undeniable. After winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he suffered from a significant injury that forced him to miss much of the last season. Fortunately, his return to fitness has been a huge boost for City. In FC 26, he is expected to retain his status as one of the elite midfielders with a 90 overall rating, only a minor downgrade from last year. His elite passing range and trademark long-range shots will continue to be a threat.
Jude Bellingham
- Rating: 90
- Pace: 80
- Shooting: 86
- Passing: 83
- Dribbling: 90
- Defending: 78
- Physicality: 85
- Position: CAM (Alt positions: CM)
Bellingham is perhaps one of the biggest breakout stars for Real Madrid in recent years. His debut season was incredible, as he scored and assisted in almost every game. Although last season wasn’t his best, he was still able to wow us by effortlessly controlling the midfield. His main role is to support the attackers and move up front, but he can also play a more central role. Having the Relentless+ trait in-game makes him an absolute machine as he covers the pitch without getting too fatigued or losing much stamina. He’s an incredible all-rounder in the game because of his ability to get in the box and be an aerial threat.
Vitinha
- Rating: 89
- Pace: 72
- Shooting: 80
- Passing: 86
- Dribbling: 90
- Defending: 75
- Physicality: 70
- Position: CM (Alt Position: CDM)
Vitinha came into the spotlight as PSG won the UCL last season. Playing a key role in that midfield, he was excellent at defending and making key passes for the attackers up front. His footwork is something to look out for both in-game and in real life, as he will cut through players with ease. He might not be up there physically, but he still manages to give a tough time to anyone who comes up against him. Helping him is the Technical+ playstyle, unlocking the ability to make high-speed controlled sprints with wide turns while dribbling.
Pedri
- Rating: 89
- Pace: 77
- Shooting: 73
- Passing: 85
- Dribbling: 91
- Defending: 78
- Physicality: 77
- Position: CM (Alt Position: CDM)
Pedri was a key player in the success of Barcelona in the previous season as they went on to win the LaLiga. Although injuries have been a hurdle, Pedri hasn’t let them get in the way of him playing like the world-class player that he is. He’s also quite important for his country, as he won the recent Euros with Spain. Pedri is a threat to most opposing midfields as his passing ability is unmatched. Possessing the First Touch+ playstyle gives him the ability to minimise trapping errors and do faster dribbling transitions.
Joshua Kimmich
- Rating: 89
- Pace: 72
- Shooting: 74
- Passing: 89
- Dribbling: 84
- Defending: 83
- Physicality:79
- Position: CDM (Alt Position: CM)
Kimmich has been a top player for Bayern Munich for a very long time now. He was a key player in their domination of the Bundesliga. He’s played on the big stage for as long as we can remember and has been nothing but consistent. Kimmich possesses the ability to run the midfield with his beautiful and accurate passes. He provides you with squad depth as he plays as a fullback on the right side as well, from time to time. With a 4-star weak foot, you don’t have to worry about misplaced passes with him. Thanks to the Long Ball Pass+ playsytyle, he is an accurate and fast playmaker.
Federico Valverde
- Rating: 89
- Pace: 88
- Shooting: 84
- Passing: 84
- Dribbling: 84
- Defending: 83
- Physicality:85
- Position: CDM (Alt Position: CM)
Valverde has been consistent over the years for Real Madrid, being a key player for them in the midfield. Having missed minimal games, he’s been on the pitch whenever he’s needed. The Uruguayan can cover the whole pitch, make decisive tackles, and score goals when needed. A lethal power shot is what makes him distinct; shots so fast that they give the goalkeeper no time to react. The Relentless+ playstyle gives him extra stamina and the ability to run as much as he needs to.
Florian Wirtz
- Rating: 89
- Pace: 80
- Shooting: 82
- Passing: 88
- Dribbling: 90
- Defending: 54
- Physicality: 67
- Position: CAM (Alt Position: CM, ST)
Wirtz became a star in recent years as he was invincible in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. He scored goals from everywhere on the pitch and became the reason for their success, as he scored last-minute winners to keep the win streak going. Now a Liverpool player, he has yet to show his magic with them, as he’s had a slow start. His attacking ability is something to watch out for as he gets in through tight spaces easily, becoming a problem for most teams. Let’s not forget his passing; he has the Incisive Pass+ playstyle, allowing him to make accurate through passes, max curve on swerves, and top precision passes.
Jamal Musiala
- Rating: 88
- Pace: 80
- Shooting: 82
- Passing: 80
- Dribbling: 90
- Defending: 66
- Physicality: 65
- Position: CAM (Alt Position: CM, LM, and ST)
Musiala is a player with immense ability on the pitch. With Bayern, he has won many trophies and contributed to those wins in big ways. A player who has been riddled with injuries over the course of his career, he has never let that stop him from being world-class. Started his career off young, he has enough experience at this young age and enough ability that most players don’t have till much later in their careers. Musiala’s 5-star skill moves mean he dances on the pitch and breaks ankles as well. The Technical+ playstyle certainly helps that idea.
Cole Palmer
- Rating: 87
- Pace: 75
- Shooting: 83
- Passing: 87
- Dribbling: 87
- Defending: 50
- Physicality: 65
- Position: CAM (Alt Position: RM, ST)
There’s not much to say about the Ice Man that hasn’t already been said. Palmer stepped into the scene with Chelsea a few seasons ago after transferring from Manchester City. He thrived with Chelsea in his debut season, taking a struggling Chelsea side into the top 6 and making them a title contender. Last season, he won the Club World Cup for Chelsea, scoring and assisting at crucial times. Creatively, he is a beauty on the pitch, and in-game, his Inventive+ playstyle reflects that. He can easily do fancy dribbles and trivela passes with incredible accuracy.
Kevin De Bruyne
- Rating: 87
- Pace: 66
- Shooting: 83
- Passing: 92
- Dribbling: 84
- Defending: 65
- Physicality: 72
- Position: CM (Alt Position: CAM)
KDB. A name that any football fan would recognize and praise. He hasn’t been at the same level due to age, but his experience still shines today. Because of his inactivity last season, his overall rating does take a slight hit, dropping from 90 to 87. This season, he plays for Napoli in the Serie A, where he will get his playing time and hopefully bump up that rating throughout the season. De Bruyne is known for his accurate passes and being a threat to world-class defenses. The Whipped Pass+ playstyle enables his highly accurate, fast crosses with more curve and power.
