FC 26: How to Prepare for the 87+ Base Icon Challenge

The Ultimate Team community is buzzing with excitement after the announcement of a NEW ICON SBC coming soon to FC 26. Featuring an 87+ Base Icon reward, this Squad Building Challenge has the potential to be one of the most impactful content drops of the early Ultimate Team cycle. Icons are the heartbeat of Ultimate Team-players that transcend eras, chemistry restrictions, and playstyles. With legendary names like Pelé, Maradona, Cruyff, Gullit, Hamm, and Eusébio teased, the anticipation is fully justified.

This article breaks down what the 87+ Base Icon SBC means, why it matters, and-most importantly-how you should prepare to maximize value and avoid costly mistakes.

What Is the 87+ Base Icon SBC

An Icon SBC allows players to submit squads that meet specific requirements (rating, chemistry, special cards) in exchange for a random Icon item. The key detail here is “87+ Base Icon.”

87+ Overall Rating ensures that lower-tier Icons are filtered out

Base Icon version means early-game Icons, not mid or prime versions

Random reward means high risk, high reward

This SBC is designed to be a gamble-but a calculated one. Unlike generic Icon packs, the 87+ floor significantly increases the odds of pulling an Icon that can immediately improve your squad or retain strong market value.

Why This SBC Is a Big Deal in FC 26

1. Early-Cycle Power Spike

Base Icons are at their strongest relative to the power curve early in the game. An 87-95-rated Icon can:

Instantly elevate your squad

Provide elite stats before promos inflate power levels

Lock in perfect chemistry across leagues and nations

Pulling a top-tier Icon early can define your entire FC 26 journey.

2. Chemistry Freedom

Icons link to any player, making them perfect squad glue. Whether you're running Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, or a hybrid, an Icon solves chemistry problems instantly.

3. Market and Club Value

Even Icons that don't fit your playstyle often:

Hold long-term value

Become useful in future SBCs

Enable squad rotations without chemistry penalties

This makes the SBC appealing even for competitive players who already have strong squads.

Icons You Could Pull (And Why People Are Hyped)

Based on the teaser, some of the potential Icons include:

Pelé (95 CAM) - Elite dribbling, shooting, and movement

Diego Maradona (95 CAM) - Insane close control and creativity

Johan Cruyff (93 CAM) - Meta movement, lethal finishing

Ruud Gullit (90 CAM) - Box-to-box dominance even in base form

Eusébio (91 ST) - Explosive pace and elite finishing

Mia Hamm (93 ST) - One of the most meta attackers in the game

These are game-changers. While not every pull will be this level, the possibility alone is enough to justify preparation.

Expected SBC Requirements (Based on Past Years)

While EA hasn't officially revealed requirements yet, based on previous titles, expect something like:

1-2 squads

Squad Rating: 86-88

Possibly:

1 Icon / Hero

1 Team of the Week (TOTW) or special card

This means preparation is essential-especially with fodder prices likely to rise the moment the SBC goes live.

How to Prepare Right Now

1. Stockpile High-Rated Fodder

The smartest move is to start holding onto:

84-88 rated gold cards

Untradeable rewards from Rivals, Champs, and Squad Battles

Don't rush to discard or SBC these cards. Even if you don't complete the Icon SBC immediately, having fodder ready gives you flexibility.

Key ratings to target:

84s and 85s (best value-to-rating)

86-88s (core SBC fillers)

2. Save Packs (But Be Strategic)

If you have:

Jumbo Rare Player Packs

83x10 / 84x10 packs

Seasonal reward packs

It may be worth saving them until:

The Icon SBC goes live

A concurrent promo increases pack value

Opening packs after the SBC drops lets you recycle duplicates directly into the challenge.

3. Avoid Panic Buying

When Icon SBCs drop, fodder prices spike hard. Buying 88s at inflated prices is one of the fastest ways to lose FC 26 coins.

Instead:

Buy fodder early when prices are stable

Or rely on untradeables to reduce coin loss

Patience saves millions over the course of the year.

4. Complete Upgrade SBCs Wisely

If upgrade SBCs (like 80+ picks or 82x2s) are available:

Use low-rated golds

Avoid dumping high-rated cards prematurely

The goal is to convert low value into high-rated fodder, not the other way around.

Should You Complete the SBC

Yes, if:

You're early in the game cycle

Your squad lacks a superstar player

You enjoy high-risk, high-reward content

You have mostly untradeable fodder

Maybe not, if:

Your squad is already stacked

You're low on coins and fodder

You prefer guaranteed player SBCs

This SBC is about potential, not certainty. If losing fodder would cripple your club, it may be smarter to wait.

Pro Tips to Maximize Value

Complete SBC during off-peak hours to reduce mistakes

Use SBC solutions carefully-don't auto-submit valuable cards

Check duplicate storage before submitting squads

Stop if requirements change unexpectedly

Remember: Icons are permanent club legends. One smart decision here can benefit you for months.

Final Thoughts

The 87+ Base Icon SBC in FC 26 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting early Ultimate Team moments. With the chance to pack some of football's greatest legends-players who can dominate matches, solve chemistry, and define your squad-it's no surprise the community is already preparing.

Whether you're chasing a dream pull like Pelé or simply looking to add Icon prestige to your club, preparation is everything. Stockpile fodder, manage your resources wisely, and approach the SBC with a clear plan.

Icons aren't just cards-they're legacy. And with this SBC just around the corner, your next Ultimate Team legend might be only one submission away.

MMOexp FC 26 Team