EA FC 26 is almost here, and fans all over the world are already getting into the FUT mood by assembling their upcoming dream squads, many featuring an array of 1M+ finds. But if you are not made of money, knowing which Gold Rare players can rival the game’s meta Icons and Heroes becomes a necessity. Here are a few Gold Players who are likely to help shape the meta early on in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team.
Alisson Becker (GK)
- Roles: Ball Playing Keeper++
- PlayStyles: Rush Out+, Deflector, and Far Throw.
To start our list with a keeper, Alisson seems to be the highlight among the game’s selection due to his high stat baselines and, above all, the Rush Out+ PlayStyle. We know FC 26 reworked how broken some of the latter felt, but no matter by what amount, being able to further empower your keeper’s performance when in 1v1 situations will always be welcome. Keep in mind that he does lack sweeper keeper++.
Federico Valverde (CM/CDM/RB)
- Roles: Box to Box++ (CM), Half-Winger+ (CM), Deep-Lying Playmaker+ (CM), Deep-Lying Playmaker++ (CDM), and Wingback (RB)
- PlayStyles: Relentless++, Aerial Fortress, Intercept, Long Ball Pass, Power Shot, Rapid, and Slide Tackle.
A member of the selective Gullit Gang once again, Valverde has everything to be an irreplaceable piece in your midfield, given his all-around stats and, if nothing drastically changes, ability to excel on both ends of the pitch. His Relentless++ PlayStyle also allows the Real Madrid CM to be in top form during the whole 90 minutes, even during highly demanding matches.
Vinicius Jr. (LW/LM/ST)
- Roles: Inside Forward++ (LW), Wide Playmaker+ (LW), False 9++ (ST), Inside Forward+ (LM)
- PlayStyles: Quick Step+, Chip Shot, Finesse Shot, First Touch, Gamechanger, Inventive, and Rapid
Although having been downgraded, Vini’s high pace, dribbling, and 5-star SM/4-star WF combo give him all he needs to become a force on the left wing in FC 26, all while making him the perfect card for those looking to run away with games or beat markers in 1v1s constantly. Unfortunately for all looking to fully embody Jogo Bonito, though, he does not have access to Trickster.
Alexia Putellas (CM/CAM/CDM)
- Roles: Playmaker++ (CM), Half-Winger+ (CM), and Half-Winger++ (CAM)
- PlayStyles: First Touch+, Finesse Shot, Gamechanger, Incisive Pass, Inventive, Technical, and Tiki Taka
Alexia Putellas is a card that seems to gain a lot from FC 26‘s revamping to passing, as it will allow her to control the midfield through pinpoint accuracy and counter her arguably low pace when compared to other meta picks like Valverde and Aitana Bonmatí. Her ability to play in all facets of the midfield and great selection of offensive PlayStyles also make the Barcelona number 11 a sure fit in multiple formations.
Mohamed Salah (RM/RW)
- Roles: Inside Forward++ (RM/RW)
- PlayStyles: Finesse Shot+, Low Driven Shot, Gamechanger, Whipped Pass, Inventive, Technical, and First Touch
Now boasting an overall true to his performance during the better part of the decade, Salah is likely to be just as dominant in 26 as he was during the first months of both FC 24 and 25. The reason? His high overall stat baseline and Inside Forward++ role, the latter of which pairs nicely with his already known Finesse Shot and crossing excellence.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
- Roles: Ball-Playing Defender++ and Defender
- PlayStyles: Intercept+, Precision Header. Pinged Pass, Jockey, Anticipate, Aerial Fortress, and Bruiser
Even if featuring a lower pace when compared to other high-end CBs like the PSG duo of Pacho and Marquinhos, Virgil van Dijk’s Leighty AcceleRATE and meta Intercept+, Jockey, and Anticipate combo make him FC 26‘s most complete CB on paper. Just make sure to equip him with Shadow as soon as possible to mitigate what seems to be his only weakness.
Achraf Hakimi (RB/RM)
- Roles: Attacking Wingback++ and Inverted Wingback+
- PlayStyles: Relentless+, Low Driven Shot, Whipped Pass, Jockey, Anticipate, Press Proven, and Quick Step
We know Hakimi’s low DEF and PHY stats might scare some from using the card, but believe me, his 92 PAC and Jockey/Anticipate combo seems almost too good to be true, especially considering the cards you will be up against early on. Like with Valverde, the extra stamina courtesy of Relentless+ is also sure to make a difference when faced with other meta picks.
Nuno Mendes (LB/LM)
- Roles: Attacking Wingback++
- PlayStyles: Quick Step+, Pinged Pass, Whipped Pass, Jockey, Anticipate, and Rapid
Another offensive-minded fullback and the worst nightmare for all still celebrating the Theo Hernandez downgrade, Nuno Mendes is likely to replace the former Milan LB in the meta due to his on-par stats and Quick Step+ PlayStyle. To make matters worse for any non-meta winger, his Jockey and Anticipate combo gives Mendes all of the tools to stop an attack on its tracks, even if caught on the back foot.
Ousmane Dembélé (ST/RW/CAM)
- Roles: Inside Forward++ (RW) and False 9++ (ST)
- PlayStyles: Rapid+. Low Driven Shot, Pinged Pass, Inventive, Trickster, and Quick Step
The natural evolution of his already meta FC 25 card, it won’t be a surprise to see Dembelé ruling the wings in EA FC 26, as very few of his peers will be able to even keep up during fast breakthroughs. In case they do, though, his high DRI, 88 SHO, and 5-star WF/SM combo then gives the Frnchman all he needs to come out on top.
Kylian Mbappé (ST/LW/LM)
- Roles: Advance Forward++ (ST), and False 9+(ST), and Inside Forward++ (LW)
- PlayStyles: Quick Step+, Finesse Shot, Acrobatic, First Touch, Gamechanger, Low Drivne Shot, Rapid
What would happen if a card like Dembélé got a top-tier ST++ role, all shot-focused playstyles, and even higher SHO and PAC stats? Well, that will give you Mbappé, aka by far the best Gold Rare card in EA FC for the third year in a row. Honestly, the only downside of this card is how rare and expensive it is set to be.
Now that you know which Gold Cards you should aim for during the first weeks, we also highly recommend that you take a look at How To Get All Free FC 26 Packs in EA FC 25. After all, who can say no to a few extra 80+ player packs?
