The EA FC 26 Ultimate Team season has kicked off with the launch of the innovative Cornerstones promo, introducing some of the most exciting young talents in world football. These cards are designed to be the foundation of your squad, offering dynamic upgrades based on real-world performances. For players looking to start strong, securing one of these items can be a game-changer, especially when paired with smart investment in FC 26 Coins to build a competitive roster early.
The defining feature of the Cornerstones promo is its live upgrade system. Each featured player can earn up to two significant boosts over their next four domestic league matches. This creates a direct link between your Ultimate Team and actual football results, adding excitement and strategy to team building. The upgrade conditions are:
- Upgrade 1 (+1 OVR): Achieved if the player’s club wins at least two of their next four league matches.
- Upgrade 2 (+1 OVR & new PlayStyle+): Earned if the player scores or assists three goals across those matches.
Players can secure both upgrades, resulting in a +2 overall rating increase and an additional PlayStyle+, turning strong starters into elite performers. Choosing who to invest in depends on both individual talent and team form.
Below is the complete list of Cornerstones Team 1 players available in packs for a limited time:
| Player Name | Club | Position | Cornerstones Rating | Key PlayStyles+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | CM | 89 | Technical, Relentless |
| William Saliba | Arsenal | CB | 87 | Anticipate, Jockey |
| Lamine Yamal | FC Barcelona | RW | 86 | Rapid, Trickster |
| Florian Wirtz | Bayer Leverkusen | CAM | 88 | Incisive Pass, Flair |
| Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Napoli | LW | 88 | Finesse Shot, First Touch |
| Warren Zaïre-Emery | Paris Saint-Germain | CM | 85 | Intercept, Press Proven |
| Jeremie Frimpong | Bayer Leverkusen | RWB | 86 | Whipped Pass, Quick Step |
| Rasmus Højlund | Manchester United | ST | 85 | Power Shot, Aerial |
Among these, three stand out as early must-haves:
- Jude Bellingham: A complete midfielder with elite all-round stats and PlayStyles+ Technical and Relentless. Real Madrid’s strong form makes him a top candidate for both upgrades.
- Lamine Yamal: A pacey winger with Rapid and Trickster PlayStyles+, ideal for skill-based attacks. His role at Barcelona gives him high upgrade potential.
- William Saliba: A dominant CB with Anticipate and Jockey PlayStyles+, likely to benefit from Arsenal’s winning record.
Beyond pack pulls, EA has included accessible options for all players:
SBC Player – Xavi Simons (CAM, 87 OVR)
Available through a Squad Building Challenge, Xavi Simons offers agility and creative passing, with Dead Ball and Tiki Taka PlayStyles+. Perfect for Bundesliga or Dutch hybrids, his upgrade eligibility makes him a strong long-term option.
Objectives Player – Cole Palmer (RW, 86 OVR)
Earnable for free via objectives, Palmer’s card features excellent shooting and dribbling, plus the Trivela PlayStyle+. Tasks include:
- Score 8 goals with Premier League players.
- Assist 5 goals with English players.
- Win 6 matches with at least 3 Premier League starters.
- Play 10 matches in any Ultimate Team mode.
Palmer is a valuable addition for early squads, offering strong chemistry links and upgrade potential. Securing him while balancing your resources is a smart move, especially when combined with strategic use of FC 26 Coins buy to strengthen your team for the long season ahead.
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