FC 26 Glory Hunters Team 1: Full Squad, Ratings & Best Cards

The blockbuster event of the EA FC 26 "Festival of Football"-Glory Hunters-drops this Friday! Featuring a star-studded lineup of 40 players and unprecedented freedom to customize PlayStyles, this event lets you transform even a base Messi card into a personalized powerhouse through dedicated grinding.

If you want to secure these players from the transfer market instantly without relying purely on pack luck, you can safely buy EA FC 26 Coins to bolster your club budget ahead of the market refresh.

We've broken down everything you need to know: the full roster, the must-have cards, and the best strategies for maximizing rewards.

Packs Go Live This Friday! What Exactly Is the "Glory Hunters" Mode?

Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned veterans, this guide explains the key differences between this event and past major promotions in just one minute-helping you stay up to speed without scouring the web for scattered leaks.

Launching on June 26, "Festival of Football: Glory Hunters" completely upends the usual event formula: instead of receiving fully maxed-out cards, you start with "base" versions. Through Evolution tasks, SBCs, and daily objectives, you can personally equip players with up to three top-tier "PlayStyle+" traits and eight standard PlayStyles, tailoring the card perfectly to your unique playstyle.

4 Endgame-Tier Cards You Can't Miss! Instantly Raise Your Squad's Ceiling

Ideal for hardcore players seeking the meta's best and looking to instantly upgrade key positions. We help you pinpoint the top-tier players worth your investment, ensuring you don't waste the PlayStyle items you've spent weeks grinding for on obscure or underpowered cards.

This "Tier 1" lineup features four cards that represent the absolute pinnacle of customizable player builds:

Lionel Messi (98 OVR)

The undisputed star attraction. Equip him with top-tier dynamic attacking traits, and he becomes unstoppable in the final third.

Virgil van Dijk (97 OVR)

Locks down the spot as the game's best center-back. Max out his defensive traits, and he turns into an impenetrable, mobile defensive wall.

Ousmane Dembélé (97 OVR)

Comes with 5-star skill moves and a 5-star weak foot. Add physical strength and whipped crossing traits, and the wing becomes your personal killing zone.

Neymar Jr. (96 OVR)

Boasts maxed-out agility and dribbling stats. Equip him with playmaking traits, and he becomes the silkiest dribbling artist on the pitch.

Full 40-Player Roster Revealed! A Mix of Elite High-Rated Cards and Budget-Friendly Powerhouses

Suitable for players of all budgets and league-specific squad builders; whether you're a "whale" with hundreds of thousands of coins or a free-to-play player with limited resources, you'll find high-value options here to fit your team. Having a healthy stash of FC 26 Coins will guarantee you can snap up these top-tier foundations the moment they hit the transfer market.

This 40-player lineup offers incredible value, covering everything from global superstars to reliable workhorses:

97 OVR Fabián Ruiz

95 OVR Bruno Fernandes

95 OVR Valverde

94 OVR Gravenberch

93 OVR Rashford

93 OVR McKennie

92 OVR Kanté

Alongside the four aces mentioned above, even the lower-rated players are versatile picks from major leagues that offer perfect chemistry synergy-so you'll have no trouble finding the right pieces for your national team or league-based squads.

Packed with Hidden Perks! Don't Miss Out on These Great Opportunities to Maximize Your Rewards

Perfect for players looking to earn maximum rewards at a low cost; take advantage of the event's unique bonus mechanics to snag your coveted "Glory Hunter" cards without spending a fortune in coins.

This event is packed with hidden surprises:

High Pack Weight

Card pack drop rates rival those of Black Friday-far exceeding standard events.

Upgraded Weekend League Rewards

The upgraded Weekend League rewards now include a "Glory Hunter" player choice pack (93+ OVR), allowing you to earn top-tier cards for free just by playing well.

Flexible Upgrade Testing

Before locking in a permanent upgrade path in the UT Hub, you can freely test various style combinations to find what suits you best-eliminating the fear of wasting resources on a mistake.

Tips for Different Types of Players

Casual / F2P Players

Focus on the Weekend League choice packs and free objective missions. You can acquire high-rated, practical cards without spending coins; simply accumulate style items over time to fully upgrade base cards, enjoying customization without the burnout of a relentless grind.

Hardcore Competitive Players

Save all your style items for "endgame" cards like Messi and Van Dijk. Max out their traits according to the current meta to ensure your competitive squad is at peak power.

Collectors & Squad Builders

Target the window before the second squad drops on July 3rd to pick up base cards at low prices. Stock up on pieces for your favorite league or national team squads while the market is still reasonable-you'll save a fortune in coins.

Final Thoughts

Glory Hunters is shaping up to be one of the most unique and rewarding promotions of the EA FC 26 cycle. With unprecedented customization, a deep 40-player roster, and multiple ways to earn elite rewards, the event offers something for every type of Ultimate Team player.

Whether you're chasing a customized Messi, building the perfect Weekend League squad, or simply looking for value in the market, Glory Hunters promises plenty of opportunities when packs go live this Friday.